Overview
- Reform UK’s lawyers demanded Kemi Badenoch issue a public apology by 4pm Friday, threatening legal action if none is given.
- Their letter calls the Conservative wording a defamatory smear and asks the party to accept the reference was untrue.
- Suella Braverman says no apology has been made to her and confirms a legal letter was sent to Conservative Campaign Headquarters.
- Kemi Badenoch says the line was sent in error, calls it completely wrong, says it was retracted, and says the sender was disciplined.
- The Conservative Party declined to comment as mental health groups and political figures criticised the original statement.