Business Secretary Calls for Halt to Speculation on Rishi Sunak’s Leadership

Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has urged Conservative MPs to cease their speculations regarding the potential ousting of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, emphasizing the need to focus on the country’s future.

Reports circulating lately suggest some Conservative members favor replacing Mr. Sunak with Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, but Badenoch dismissed these as notions limited to only a few MPs.

In response to the rumors surrounding Penny Mordaunt as a contender for PM, Badenoch reiterated that such discussions should cease, asserting the need for a broader perspective on the matter.

Currently, only two Tory MPs, Sir Simon Clarke and Dame Andrea Jenkyns, have publicly called for Rishi Sunak’s resignation, while former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace emphasized the need to move forward with the current leadership.

The recent turmoil involving accusations directed at Tory donor Frank Hester towards Diane Abbott received different responses within the party, with Badenoch condemning the reported remarks as racist.

Downing Street found itself at odds over labeling the comments as racist initially but later aligned with Badenoch’s stance, prompting discussions on the appropriateness of retaining Hester’s donations.

In a bid to steer focus back to national priorities, Kemi Badenoch stressed the need to move beyond such controversies and concentrate on matters more pertinent to the general public.

Addressing concerns over the economy, Rishi Sunak vowed for a brighter economic outlook in 2024, aiming to capitalize on positive indications emerging within various economic indicators.