Kemi Badenoch, the leading candidate to become the next Conservative Party leader, faces serious accusations from former colleagues, who describe a hostile working environment during her tenure as the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.
Several former officials claim that Badenoch’s conduct was so distressing that at least three senior staff members felt compelled to leave their positions.
These sources report a particularly toxic atmosphere within the department, which led to a significant drop in morale and necessitated a “town hall” meeting on December 13, 2023, attended by around 70 staff members both in-person and online, to address these issues.
Insiders allege that at least three senior officials in Badenoch’s private office felt effectively forced out due to what they describe as “bullying and traumatizing” behavior over the 17 months she managed the department. Badenoch has emphatically denied these accusations.
Colleagues who worked closely with Badenoch, who is now the bookmakers’ favorite to succeed Rishi Sunak, have described dreading meetings with her.
They claim her behavior left many feeling humiliated and reduced to tears on several occasions.
A departmental insider noted that while it’s normal for tensions to rise occasionally, Badenoch’s treatment of staff often felt “sustained and personal.”
A spokesperson for Badenoch has dismissed these allegations as “completely false and a flagrant smear,” asserting that she had to dismiss some senior officials due to “underperformance, complaints, and bad behavior.” They added that Badenoch maintains “high standards and expectations.”
During her time as business secretary, other ministers reportedly checked in on the well-being of staff, while officials tried to ensure that colleagues allegedly targeted by Badenoch were not left alone with her to avoid further distress.
Despite these serious claims, no formal investigation was launched, as none of the affected officials filed an official complaint.
Reports suggest that officials had spoken privately to the department’s permanent secretary, Gareth Davies, about Badenoch’s alleged behavior over the past year.
Additionally, the Cabinet Office’s propriety and ethics team and at least one senior aide to Sunak in No. 10 were informed informally of one allegation, but no formal complaints led to an investigation.
There is no indication that former Prime Minister Sunak was aware of these specific allegations. Both the Cabinet Office and a spokesperson for Sunak have declined to comment on the matter.
Badenoch, now serving as the Shadow Secretary for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, formally entered the Conservative leadership race on Sunday, July 28.
She announced her campaign with a focus on renewing the party for 2030, stating, “If I have the privilege to serve, we will speak the truth again.”
Sunak’s Integrity Pledge Under Scrutiny
When Sunak became Prime Minister in 2022, he pledged a government of “integrity, professionalism, and accountability at every level,” with the ministerial code explicitly stating that bullying would not be tolerated.
However, sources describe the atmosphere in Badenoch’s private office as heavily influenced by her “mercurial” moods, often leaving staff feeling intimidated.
Insiders suggest that while Badenoch was professional and engaging with senior civil servants in other parts of the department, she could be challenging to work for directly.
They claim she had “favorites” and individuals she appeared to “single out,” with some describing her behavior as “passive-aggressive.”
Another source predicted that Badenoch would likely respond to these allegations by criticizing “woke” civil servants and suggesting they were “not up to the job,” rather than addressing the concerns about her own conduct.
Reports indicate that three senior officials recounted incidents, including one where Badenoch allegedly berated a staff member for 30 minutes in a government car, leaving them feeling “useless and pointless.”
Witnesses describe what they term “sustained bullying,” with belittling remarks that were “unbearable for all of us.”
They claim the targeted individual began stammering in Badenoch’s presence and eventually pursued being signed off sick, alleging bullying by Badenoch.
This official was reportedly dismissed 24 hours later due to a “breakdown in relationship,” according to sources.
One staff member left their role after being repeatedly “berated” by Badenoch, illustrating the broader claims of a challenging work environment under her leadership.
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