Politics

Tory MP Blasts Kemi Badenoch in Commons Over Embarrassing Mistake That’s Stirring Up the Party

Published on June 27, 2025

In a rare moment of open dissent, Conservative MP Mark Pritchard publicly criticized Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch in the House of Commons, calling out what he described as a “staggering blunder” during Prime Minister’s Questions. The moment didn’t just raise eyebrows—it ignited fresh concerns about leadership tensions within the Conservative Party.

The drama unfolded after Badenoch repeatedly accused Labour leader Keir Starmer of skipping PMQs without a valid reason. The issue? Starmer had been attending NATO-related meetings—something widely acknowledged and accepted across party lines. Pritchard didn’t hold back. He stood up and, in a tone both sharp and deliberate, slammed Badenoch for turning a routine parliamentary session into a misguided political attack.

“This kind of stunt doesn’t help our image,” he reportedly said, urging party colleagues to focus on “serious politics, not cheap jabs.” His comments sent a ripple through the Commons, where onlookers were visibly surprised to see such a pointed rebuke aimed at a senior cabinet minister from within the same party, reported the Mirror.

It’s not the first time Badenoch’s approach has raised concerns. Earlier this month, she was caught flat-footed asking about a winter fuel policy that Starmer had already addressed two weeks prior. Critics say moments like these suggest she’s unprepared or too focused on headline-grabbing soundbites instead of solid leadership.

That’s why Pritchard’s remarks may carry more weight than your average political squabble. They suggest that even within her own ranks, there’s growing discomfort with how Badenoch is handling the job.

This all comes as Badenoch continues to be floated as a possible future party leader. She’s young, media-savvy, and often praised for her straight-talking style. But moments like this make some Tories wonder if she’s rushing too fast into the spotlight without doing the behind-the-scenes homework first.

The bigger issue? Optics. When party unity appears to be fraying in front of the cameras, it’s not just a bad day in the Commons—it’s fuel for Labour’s narrative that the Conservatives are in disarray.

With public trust in politicians already fragile, this kind of infighting could do real damage. If Badenoch wants to cement her status as a future leader, she may need to pivot from punchlines to policy, and fast.

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