Conservative leadership hopeful Kemi Badenoch scores net zero 'unilateral economic disarmament'

Conservative leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch has called the net zero climate goal “unilateral economic disarmament” and pledged to scrap it if elected.

L outsider, but rising star, took aim at existing government policies that "have overburdened our economy" and are "consuming taxpayers' hard-earned money".

"Too many policies, like the goals net zero, put in place without regard to the effects on industries in the poorest parts of this country,” Ms. Badenoch said at the launch of her campaign.

“The consequence is simply displacing the broadcasts to other countries - unilateral economic disarmament. That's why we need to change and that's why I'm running to be leader."

The comments are the most blunt repudiation yet of net zero engagement, in a leadership race that has alarmed the group of Conservative MPs are passionate about it és.

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Suella Braverman, who has also vowed to being the candidate for the right, also attacked politics - while frontrunner Rishi Sunak did not mention it, having thwarted spending while chancellor.

Ms Badenoc h also took aim at companies whose "top priority is social justice, not productivity and profits", calling it a "Ben & Jerry's trend".

And doubling down on his opposition to the draft Online Harm Act, she insisted that police should focus on the crime and 'not worry about hurt feelings online'.

Ms Badenoch, who has the backing of the Tory big hitter Michael Gove, also took aim at candidates who promised massive tax cuts, including Sajid Javid and Nadhim Zahawi.

"I will not be taking part in a tax war bidding and say my tax cuts are bigger than yours,” she promised. "The dividing line in this race isn't tax cuts, it's judgment.

"It's time to tell the truth. For too long politicians have said you can have it all - you can have your cake and eat it. But I'm here to tell you that's not the case."

"Governing involves compromise and you have to be honest about it," she said, saying the public "demands honesty" from the next Prime Minister, a quality she would bring.

Ms Badenoch currently has 16 declared supporters, putting her on track to reach the 20 required to participate in the leadership race when the nominations close tonight.

The first round of voting among the 359 Tory MPs will take place on Wednesday, when the candidates will need 30 votes to advance to the second round on Thursday.