Dispute over Penny Mordaunt’s Commons return raises tensions in the Conservative Party
The ongoing row regarding claims that Kemi Badenoch is obstructing Dame Penny Mordaunt’s return to the House of Commons has intensified following suggestions that Badenoch harbours jealousy towards her “charismatic” predecessor, reports BritPanorama.
Dame Penny, who notably contributed to King Charles’ coronation ceremony, has faced delays in her quest to resume her role as a parliamentary candidate due to barriers imposed by Conservative leadership.
After losing her Commons seat in 2024, she is seen as the latest casualty in Badenoch’s “purge” targeting Tory MPs with more liberal viewpoints on issues like Europe, net zero, and gender.
The political rivalry escalated as a new biography by Sir Anthony Seldon claims that Badenoch not only felt “jealous” of Mordaunt’s rising profile but also “whipped up” negative sentiment against her to undermine her leadership aspirations.
In the context of Sunak’s impending election defeat in 2024, Seldon asserts that Badenoch grew resentful of Mordaunt’s growing reputation as a possible contender for leadership.
Dame Penny has received accolades for her “glamour and poise” in significant public appearances, which have reportedly drawn Badenoch’s ire.
Seldon notes, “One person particularly disconcerted by the new spotlight on Dame Penny, jealous of her charisma and popularity… was Kemi Badenoch.” The biography further states, “Together with her supporters, she whipped up negativity against her.”
Mordaunt, a seasoned figure in the party having held eight ministerial positions and having made two unsuccessful bids for leadership, seeks a return after losing her Portsmouth North seat.
She is not the only prominent figure facing obstacles; former party chairman Grant Shapps appears to share a similar fate regarding his application to return as a Conservative candidate.
Badenoch insists that prospective Tory MPs must endorse her policies, including a commitment to withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights and abandon the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This stance highlights the party’s ideological shift under her influence.
Historically, Badenoch and Mordaunt have clashed over gender identity issues, notably during the 2022 leadership contest when Badenoch accused Mordaunt of supporting self-identification for women, a claim Mordaunt denied.
Mordaunt recalls, “That is not correct. This will all be on record,” while Badenoch contended that self-identification was previously promoted under Mordaunt’s tenure as Equalities Minister.
Dame Penny has indicated a shift in her stance on Britain’s position regarding the ECHR, although she previously opposed leaving the court. Both she and Shapps are unclear about the status of their applications to join the Conservative candidates list, with results originally expected in June still pending.
All candidates, including ex-cabinet ministers, have undergone a rigorous six-hour assessment process consisting of detailed interviews. Conservative headquarters stress that the evaluation is part of Badenoch’s commitment to demonstrate significant change within the party.
Officials assert that all candidates are treated equitably, ensuring a fair selection process for both seasoned politicians and newcomers alike. The dynamics of this intra-party contention illustrate the shifting landscape within the Conservative Party as it navigates its future direction.
