Reform UK has threatened to take legal action against Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch unless she issues a public apology over comments made about Suella Braverman’s mental health.
The row followed Ms Braverman’s defection to Reform UK earlier this week. In an initial statement responding to her departure, a Conservative Party spokesperson said the party had “done all we could to look after Suella’s mental health”, suggesting she had been unhappy.
The statement was withdrawn hours later after criticism, and the reference was removed from a revised version.
Despite the retraction, Reform UK’s lawyers have written to Conservative Party headquarters, describing the comment as a “defamatory smear” and demanding a public apology from Mrs Badenoch by 4pm on Thursday.
The letter argues that the statement wrongly implied Ms Braverman had a mental health condition affecting her judgement and that this was known and managed by the Conservative Party. It insists the claim is untrue and says Ms Braverman has never suffered from any such condition. The lawyers added that if the claim had been accurate, it would have amounted to an unlawful disclosure of personal data.
Reform also rejected the Conservatives’ explanation that the comment was part of a draft released in error, calling it inadequate. The party is seeking a clear apology and assurances that no similar remarks will be made in future.
Ms Braverman said on social media that it was “very disappointing” the situation had escalated, accusing the Conservatives of making a false and defamatory statement.
Mrs Badenoch has since described the original comment as “completely wrong”, saying it should never have been published and does not reflect the culture she wants within the party.
