Key facts
- Lord Barwell has lost the Conservative party whip.
- Kemi Badenoch previously stated that Conservatives supporting net zero targets are not welcome in the party.
- Barwell criticized Badenoch's stance on X.
Lord Barwell has lost the Conservative party whip following criticism of Kemi Badenoch's stance on net zero targets. The Conservatives deny an ideological purge, citing Barwell's conduct and public statements against the party leadership.
The incident highlights internal divisions within the Conservative party regarding ideological direction and the approach to key policy issues like net zero, potentially impacting voter appeal and party unity.
Lord Barwell, a Conservative peer, has lost the party whip following public criticism of Kemi Badenoch's stance on net zero targets. Badenoch had previously stated that Conservatives who support net zero or oppose leaving the European Convention on Human Rights are "not serious" and unwelcome.
Barwell, who previously served as an MP and minister before becoming Theresa May's chief of staff, expressed his sadness at the decision. He believes Badenoch's position risks alienating a significant portion of potential voters, suggesting her message is not resonating broadly despite her focus on the economy. He argued that strong leaders welcome different voices and learn from valid criticism, hoping for a "broad church" within the party.
However, a Conservative source denied that Barwell's removal was ideologically driven, dismissing speculation of a purge of centrist Tories. The source indicated that the decision was based on Barwell's conduct and a "series of public statements directed against both the leader of the opposition and the Conservative party." The Conservative chief whip in the Lords, Susan Williams, confirmed in a letter that Barwell would not resume the whip, citing his failure to meet with her upon his return to the House of Lords and his public criticisms.
The situation arises amid discussions on websites like ConservativeHome, which have called for the party to distance itself from centrist groups. Barwell suggested that while Badenoch is effective in holding the government to account, her personal ratings have not translated into improved party poll numbers, indicating a need for a broader appeal.