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A Conservative MP has been criticised for saying he would not be voting for Kemi Badenoch as party leader because she is “preoccupied with her own children”.<\/p>\n
Sir Christopher Chope told ITV<\/a> that “you can’t spend all your time with your family” while being leader of the opposition.<\/p>\n He said he would be voting for Robert Jenrick – Badenoch’s opponent in the Tory leadership race – arguing that Jenrick’s three children are “a bit older”. <\/p>\n Responding to his comments, Conservative MP Victoria Atkins said: “This is the 2020s, not the 1950s – all working mums and dads juggle family, career and general life.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n She added: “That one of our final two impressive candidates also happens to be a mum reflects the modern Conservative Party and modern life. Here\u2019s to all working mums.”<\/p>\n A source from Jenrick’s campaign said their candidate didn’t agree with Sir Christopher’s comments adding: “He’s raising three young daughters himself.”<\/p>\n Badenoch’s campaign team is not commenting on the remarks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Speaking to ITV Meridian’s The Last Word programme, Sir Christopher said Jenrick had “brought more energy and commitment to the campaign, and being leader of the opposition is a really demanding job.<\/p>\n “And, much as I like Kemi, I think she’s preoccupied with her own children, quite understandably.<\/p>\n “But I think Robert’s children are a bit older, and I think that it’s important that whoever leads the opposition has got an immense amount of time and energy.<\/p>\n “I understand from talking to colleagues that Kemi spends a lot of time with her family, which I don’t resent at all.<\/p>\n “But the consequence of it is that you can’t spend all your time with your family as at the same time being leader of the opposition.<\/p>\n “You could argue that Margaret Thatcher’s family suffered as a result of the commitment and dedication which she gave to leading our country.”<\/p>\n Labour MP Helena Dollimore, who was appearing on the same programme, said: “Many women will be shocked by those comments.<\/p>\n “I think there should be no barrier to women standing in public life.”<\/p>\n Conservative Party members are currently picking who they want as leader and the result will be announced on 2 November. <\/p>\n Badenoch and Jenrick are the final two candidates, after James Cleverly was knocked out in a ballot of Tory MPs earlier this month. <\/p>\n It is not the first time a candidate’s parental status has been raised in a Tory leadership contest. <\/p>\n In the 2016 contest, Andrea Leadsom apologised<\/a> to Theresa May after suggesting being a mother made her a better candidate. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n