Kemi Badenoch accuses Jenrick of 'peddling conspiracy theories' to win election: 'I tell the truth!'

Speaking to GB News on The Camilla Tominey Show, Badenoch said: "I think it's really sad that he's having to peddle conspiracy theories."

The North West Essex MP emphasised her commitment to honesty, saying: "If I'm asked questions, I will give an answer as honestly and politely as I possibly can, but I haven't said anything that is not public knowledge."

Despite a recent ConservativeHome poll pointing to a thumping victory for Badenoch, Jenrick insists the race is "neck-and-neck".

He has criticised Badenoch's campaign for being light on policy, stating members "don't want vague promises of policy commissions which will report back in months or years to come".

In response, Badenoch emphasised her integrity and broad support base.

She told Camilla Tominey: "Look at all the people who are supporting me, people from the left to the right of the party, brand new MPs, to people like William Hague, IDS, former party leaders, former party chairmen."

Badenoch also addressed the issue of public trust in the Conservative Party during her GB News interview.

She claimed: "The public don't trust the Conservatives anymore. This is not a General Election. This is not about how many policies and what a new manifesto can be. It's about what kind of person do the party members want."

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The leadership hopeful emphasised her consistency and conviction, saying, "I'm somebody who has conviction. I'm not saying anything new now, just because it's a leadership contest. I'm somebody who's been portraying those values for a very long time."

Badenoch also highlighted the importance of integrity in rebuilding trust.

She remarked: "I also say that, given the public don't trust us, you want somebody who hasn't had any of those sorts of issues."

Responding to accusations of being the establishment candidate, Badenoch argued: "I'm winning support from everybody. Why can't he win support from everybody? I think that's the important thing."

She expressed pride in her broad backing, stating: "I'm actually very proud that people who brought us from opposition into government think that I can do it."

Badenoch drew parallels between her approach and successful former leaders, saying: "The people who started in opposition and got into Government were Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron.

"They didn't do it with a new manifesto. They did it by starting from first principles."

She concluded by reiterating her commitment to this approach, asserting that it is "what I want to do."