Badenoch ‘jealous’ of ex-cabinet minister Mordaunt in Commons comeback row
A new biography of Rishi Sunak alleges that Kemi Badenoch was jealous of Dame Penny Mordaunt’s popularity and encouraged criticism of her as the Conservatives approached their 2024 election defeat. The claims have intensified a dispute over reports that Mordaunt’s attempt to return to Parliament as a Conservative candidate has been delayed or blocked, though party officials say all applicants are treated fairly.
Mordaunt lost Portsmouth North in 2024 after holding eight ministerial roles and twice seeking the Conservative leadership; former party chairman Grant Shapps is also reportedly awaiting a decision on his candidature. Badenoch has said future Conservative candidates must support leaving the European Court of Human Rights and abandoning the 2050 net-zero target, while she and Mordaunt have previously clashed over gender identity policy.
- Biography alleges Badenoch fuelled criticism of Mordaunt.
- Mordaunt’s Commons comeback application remains unresolved.
- Party says candidate selection treats all applicants equally.
New here? Start with this
The Conservative Party, also called the Tories, governed the UK from 2010 until it lost the 2024 general election. Kemi Badenoch became its leader after that defeat and is responsible for setting its direction and helping decide who represents it at future elections.
Penny Mordaunt was a Conservative MP for Portsmouth North and held several government jobs, including Leader of the House of Commons. She stood twice to lead the party and was widely known after carrying the ceremonial sword at King Charles’s coronation, but lost her seat in 2024.
Former MPs who want to return must be approved as parliamentary candidates by the party. Badenoch and Mordaunt have differed on issues including gender identity, while Badenoch has also set conditions on policies such as leaving the European human rights system and changing the UK’s net-zero climate target.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of Mordaunt’s return may argue that a party seeking to recover from defeat should welcome experienced, electorally capable figures with broad public recognition. They may see ideological tests on the ECHR, net zero and gender policy as narrowing the party unnecessarily and risk treating legitimate internal disagreement as disloyalty; if delays disproportionately affect particular former ministers, transparent explanations would be important to sustain trust in the process.
The case against
Supporters of Badenoch’s approach may argue that a party leader is entitled to ensure prospective candidates back the platform on which the party will seek a mandate, especially after a severe electoral defeat exposed strategic divisions. They may regard consistent scrutiny of all applicants, including prominent former cabinet ministers, as fairer than fast-tracking well-known figures, and see clarity on core policies as necessary to present voters with a coherent alternative government.