Conservative MP Christopher Chope has sparked a backlash for suggesting Kemi Badenoch could not be the leader of the opposition because she spends "a lot of time with her family".

Sir Christopher Chope questions former business secretary’s commitment to the role because ‘she spends a lot of time with her family’

Conservative leadership hopeful Kemi Badenoch has dismissed a Tory MP who said he wouldn't choose her as leader as she is "preoccupied with her own children". Sir Christopher Chope told ITV that "you can't spend all your time with your family" while being leader of the opposition.

The school absence rate for England for the autumn and spring terms of 2023-24 was down on the same period the year before – but still much higher than pre-pandemic, according to figures out from the Department for Education.

Sir Christopher Chope says ‘you can’t spend all your time with your family at the same time as being leader of the opposition’

A Tory MP has sparked fury by claiming Kemi Badenoch is too "preoccupied with her own children" to be Conservative leader. Sir Christopher Chope is now facing a backlash after supporting Robert Jenrick in the contest,

Kemi Badenoch ‘preoccupied with her children’ says Conservative MP - Veteran Tory Sir Christopher Chope said ‘you can’t spend all your time with your family as at the same time being Leader of the Opposition’.