Suella Braverman’s critique of the Progress Pride flag at a conference in Washington DC has drawn sharp criticisms from both political allies and adversaries, as the race to succeed Rishi Sunak as Tory leader gains momentum with several potential candidates emerging.
Suella Braverman, the former UK Home Secretary, sparked controversy with her speech at the National Conservatism conference in Washington DC. Jake News has heard that the MP for Fareham and Waterlooville criticized the Progress Pride flag, a symbol designed to represent inclusion and diversity within the LGBT+ community, claiming it signified that the previous government allowed the “mutilation of children” in hospitals and schools.
Braverman, seen as a potential Conservative Party leadership contender, also reflected on the party’s recent electoral defeat and criticized the party’s liberal approach during its governance.
In response, Conservative broadcaster Iain Dale condemned her remarks, calling her speech “disgusting” and expressed his opposition to her leadership ambitions. Former Labour MP Ben Bradshaw also criticized Braverman, accusing her of bitter hostility towards LGBT+ people.
Today, Jake hears the leadership race to succeed Rishi Sunak as Tory leader has begun, with multiple candidates, including right-wing MPs Danny Kruger, Kemi Badenoch, and Priti Patel, and moderate figures like James Cleverly, Jeremy Hunt, Tom Tugendhat, and Victoria Atkins possibly entering the contest.