Kemi Badeloth, Conservative Party candidate for the leadership position, has been criticized after claiming that the UK’s maternity pay has “gone too much” and the government should lessen its interference in peoples’ lives.
Badenoch, speaking to Times Radio, characterized the current system of supporting mothers for 39-weeks after childbirth as “excessive”.
In her comments, Badenoch said, “We need to have more personal responsibility–there was a time when there wasn’t any maternity pay, and people were having more babies.” She emphasised that the exact amount of maternity pay was not her central concern but framed her remarks within a broader argument about reducing regulatory burdens on businesses.
Badenoch was forced to clarify her position after her comments caused immediate backlash. In a social media post, Badenoch insisted she had been misrepresented. “Of Course, maternity pays aren’t excessive… No mother of three children thinks that.”
In the UK, statutory maternity pay starts at 90% of the average weekly earnings after six weeks. After that it drops to PS184.03 (or 90 percent of mother’s salary) for 33 additional weeks. Badenoch claimed that the system was a burden to businesses and that it stifled growth and entrepreneurship.
Robert Jenrick, a fellow leadership candidate, strongly disagreed with Badenoch, stating that “our maternity pay ranks among the lowest of the OECD.” The Conservative Party should stand firmly by parents and working mothers who are struggling to make ends meet. Jenrick, father of three children, was concerned about making it harder for working mothers.
Tom Tugendhat is another Tory candidate for the leadership. He also distanced himself with Badenoch’s remarks. “Maternity, paternity, and child care are all very important.” Many fathers like me would have liked to spend more time with our children. James Cleverly is the fourth Tory leadership candidate who rejected Badenoch’s remarks, saying, “Maternity and paternity care are very important.”
The controversy over Badenoch’s remarks has drawn criticism from advocacy organizations. Joeli Brearley of Pregnant Then Screwed called Badenoch’s statement “absolute rubbish,” arguing that the cost of statutory maternity pays can be reclaimed by businesses through HMRC. Brearley said, “Statutory Maternity Pay is essential for families that rely on two incomes.” Women would have to go back to work almost instantly after childbirth without it.
Badenoch’s comments have fuelled debate as the Conservative Party’s leadership race continues. Many question whether her approach is in line with a party that traditionally supports families.
