Badenoch ally attacks Burnham’s ‘hope hard enough’ economic message as ‘absolutely mad’
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately says Conservatives will present “very different view of the country” — and defends policy on pensions triple lock.
BIRMINGHAM, England — In a recent clash at the Conservative Party conference, Helen Whately, Kemi Badenoch’s shadow work and pensions secretary, vehemently criticized Andy Burnham's economic message. Whately dismissed Burnham's proposal of "hope hard enough" to stimulate growth, asserting that such a strategy would worsen the economy and burden the public.
Her sharp criticism highlights a more confrontational stance from Badenoch and her shadow cabinet as the conference commenced in Birmingham. Whately also defended the party's stance on the triple lock, a pension increase program, which Burnham sought to modify for social care funds. She emphasized that the Conservatives’ approach was to foster employment and cut welfare costs rather than directly targeting pensioners.
Furthermore, Whately backed the Conservatives’ pledge to provide free childcare for high-income earners, countering concerns about its potential to discourage individuals from staying at home. She dismissed the idea of implementing policies akin to those in Hungary, deeming them financially unviable. Whately also addressed the issue of flawed benefits assessments, advocating for stricter scrutiny of those who can and should be working.
When questioned about her past friendship with Robert Jenrick, who recently joined Reform UK, Whately commented that she no longer considers him a friend due to his dishonest actions and deceit.
Written by urgent.news from Politico EU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
