Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, has launched a scathing critique of former U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring his midterm election losses were ‘entirely self-inflicted’ and suggesting she wouldn’t have minded if Kamala Harris had defeated him in 2024.
In an interview with The Independent, Badenoch took aim at Trump’s policies and leadership style, arguing his protectionist ‘America First’ agenda contradicted conservative principles. ‘He came in with this extraordinary coalition… and what’s the first thing that he does? Tariffs,’ she said, claiming such policies harmed working-class Americans.
‘Not What Conservatives Do’
Badenoch dismissed Trump’s economic nationalism as alien to conservative values, advocating instead for continued free trade policies. ‘Tariffs are bad for the cost of living. They’re not good,’ she asserted, adding: ‘He has not been acting in the way that I consider conservative.’
The Tory leader also criticized Trump’s combative rhetoric, saying: ‘It doesn’t meet the standards I think a statesman should meet… always wanting to get dirty with insults.’ She specifically cited his treatment of Ukrainian President Zelensky and comments about UK Labour leader Keir Starmer as examples of poor conduct.
Surprising Harris Remark
In perhaps her most controversial comment, Badenoch hinted she may have preferred Democrat Kamala Harris over Trump in 2024. When asked who she preferred, she replied: ‘I like them both equally. Make of that what you will… there’s a double meaning in that.’
Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage offered a contrasting view in a BBC interview, crediting Trump with economic successes and border security while acknowledging voter disappointment over the prolonged Iran conflict. Farage predicted a ‘sharp increase in military action in Iran’ but warned of the challenges in fighting a theocratic regime.
Source: www.breitbart.com โ https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/11/08/uk-conservative-party-leader-says-trump-deserved-to-lose-mid-terms-decries-dirty-politics/