Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has firmly rejected Chancellor Rachel Reeves' suggestion that critics are 'mansplaining' how to do her job, escalating political tensions just two days before the crucial autumn budget.
Budget Showdown Intensifies
In a sharp exchange with Sky News deputy political editor Sam Coates, Ms Badenoch addressed Ms Reeves' recent comments to The Times where the Chancellor expressed being 'sick of people mansplaining how to be chancellor to me.' The Conservative leader retorted: "I'm not a man, and I think she's doing a terrible job."
Ms Badenoch delivered a stark ultimatum regarding Wednesday's budget, stating that "a lot of people out there in the country, men and women, think that she needs to cut tax, and if she raises it, then she should go." This direct challenge sets the stage for a high-stakes political confrontation.
Growth Versus 'Job-Killing Measures'
The Conservative leader accused the government of stifling economic growth, despite their claims that it remains their number one priority. "We need growth measures, not job-killing measures," Ms Badenoch declared during her speech at the CBI conference on Monday 24th November 2025.
She specifically targeted the Employment Rights Bill, which she argued would cost businesses approximately £5 billion. "There are businesses out there that are absolutely livid," she added, calling for the complete repeal of what she described as an "anti-growth blueprint."
Specific Policy Demands
Ms Badenoch outlined several measures she believes would stimulate economic growth instead of increasing taxes. These include:
- Scrapping "silly levies" on North Sea oil drilling
- Removing business rates for retail, leisure and hospitality sectors
- Addressing concerns that expected minimum wage rises will discourage hiring of young workers
Meanwhile, Business Secretary Peter Kyle acknowledged the need for "more urgency" in growing the economy but rejected claims that growth is no longer the government's top priority. He confirmed the chancellor would "take the fair and necessary choices" in Wednesday's budget.
The stage is now set for a dramatic budget announcement that could define both women's political futures and the country's economic direction.
