Reform UK has ordered Kemi Badenoch apologise to Suella Braverman over Tory claims about her mental health – or face legal action.
In a letter to Conservative Party headquarters on Wednesday, Reform’s lawyers said Ms Braverman “reserves all her rights” if Ms Badenoch failed to issue a public apology to her by Friday at 4pm. A spokesman told The Independent this included legal proceedings.
It follows a statement sent out by the Tory party on Monday that made claims about the former Tory home secretary’s mental health after she had defected to Nigel Farage’s party.
The statement, which Ms Badenoch later admitted should not have gone out and apologised for, said: “The Conservatives did all we could to look after Suella’s mental health, but she was clearly very unhappy”.
Reform said the Tory party leader’s explanation that the statment was sent out in error was wholly inadequate, and said she had not issued an apology to Ms Braverman.
The letter said: “It is entirely unclear why it was published other than to harm Ms Braverman with malice.”
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Ms Braverman said: “It is a bit pathetic. As I said, it says more about them than it does me. I’m not really going to dignify it. It is, I’m afraid, just more sorry signs of a bitter and desperate party that seems to be in free fall.”
In its demands set out in the letter sent on Wednesday, Reform also demanded that the Conservative Party accept that the reference to Ms Braverman’s mental health is untrue.
The letter said: “That allegation is plainly capable of carrying a defamatory meaning, namely that Ms Braverman was suffering from a mental health condition affecting her judgement or fitness, and that this was known to, and managed by, her former party.
“The statement is untrue. Ms Braverman does not suffer, and has not suffered, from any mental health condition and accordingly there was no factual basis whatsoever for the allegation made.”
When approached on Thursday night, the Conservative Party declined to comment.
Mental health charities and politicians criticised the Conservative Party statement earlier this week, with Brian Dow, deputy chief executive of the Rethink Mental Illness charity, warning that the issue of mental health should not be “used as a political football”.
“Employers should never disclose any details about the mental health of their employees or former staff,” he said.
“Doing so says far more about them than the person they are referring to. People living with mental ill-health do not deserve to have their experiences trivialised or used as a political football.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
Source: UK Politics - www.independent.co.uk
