Kemi Badenoch says ‘dirty’ Trump deserved to be thrashed in US midterms, The Independent reports

Badenoch condemns Trump’s approach

Badenoch told The Independent’s Geordie Greig that Trump’s midterm defeat was “entirely self-inflicted.” Asked whether he deserved to lose, she replied, “Yeah,” and argued that his actions did not reflect conservative principles. She criticized tariffs, protectionism and disputes with allies, as well as Trump’s remarks about Keir Starmer and the treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House. Badenoch said voters wanted results. She said she liked Trump and Kamala Harris equally, while adding she would have accepted Harris winning the 2024 election.

Criticism of former Tory leaders

Badenoch criticized the records of former Conservative prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, while declining to assign blame by name. She said their governments were marked by “gimmicks, mistakes and short termism” and said immigration had been too high.

She also questioned major spending and tax measures, including £150 billion for energy bills and £45 billion in tax cuts without corresponding spending reductions. Badenoch said leaders were responsible for many of the mistakes made in government.

Farage and the political contest

Badenoch called Nigel Farage’s Reform Party “bonkers” and ruled out serving in a Conservative-Reform coalition led by him. She acknowledged that Farage had made an emotional connection with voters when the Conservatives were struggling.

Her remarks came as Farage’s ratings had fallen following scandals involving him and Reform, while the Conservatives had moved ahead of Reform in political ratings. Badenoch also said Andy Burnham appeared more genial, but questioned whether that quality amounted to charm.