Former Conservative MP Michael Fabricant has spoken out after party leader Kemi Badenoch claimed that she doesn't have his support because he is a "gay man".
Speaking on BBC Radio West Midlands, Badenoch was played comments made by Fabricant about the party, to which he claimed he is "not in love with Kemi" and believes others in the party such as Robert Jenrick are "doing all the heavy lifting".
Responding to the comments, Badenoch claimed: "I'm not surprised that he's not in love with me, he is a gay man and I'm a woman. I'm building a great team - Rob is doing his job, he's working hard, and of course Michael is friends with him."
Shocked at Badenoch's remarks, the radio host hit back at the Tory leader and said her claim about Fabricant was "a bit low".
Michael Fabricant was left baffled as Kemi Badenoch claimed she doesn't have his support because he is a 'gay man'
PA / GB News
Discussing the exchange on GB News, Fabricant made clear that he is "not a gay man", but is actually "bisexual" - stating that the remarks made by Badenoch are "odd".
Fabricant said: "Well, first of all, anybody who really knows me knows I'm not gay, I'm bi - which is very different - though I do love camping it up at times. So perhaps that's why she got that impression.
"But I thought, what a very odd thing to say on a radio interview when you're trying to get people to vote Conservative in the local elections. Not a clever one, I think."
Sharing further context of his remarks, Fabricant echoed host Tom Harwood's suggestion that he meant he was in no way a "romantic intention" towards the Tory leader.
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Kemi Badenoch claimed Fabricant is not a supporter of hers because he is a 'gay man'
ParliamentFabricant stated: "It was pretty clear I was talking about other things generally, and I was asked whether I'm a big supporter.
"And being an honest sort of guy, I thought, I'm not going to say, yeah, I'm a big supporter because the fantastic thing is when you're no longer an MP, you can be a bit more honest about things.
"And I just said that others are doing the heavy lifting - Rob Jenrick, Mel Stride - and really she needs to get her act together. I was trying to be helpful."
Criticising Badenoch further, Fabricant claimed that the Tory leader had "single-handedly alienated LGBT communities" with her claims.
He said: "I don't know quite what goes on in her head, to be honest with you. The listeners's reaction was unusually on my side, they thought that it was a very bizarre thing for her to say.
Fabricant claimed Badenoch should 'think before she opens her gob'
GB News
"I think she sort of single-handedly managed to alienate bisexuals, heterosexuals and the homosexual community, of which is quite large in the Birmingham area."
Noting Badenoch's position as the leader of the opposition, Fabricant suggested that she should "think before she speaks" in situations such as a national radio interview.
Fabricant concluded: "She is the leader of the party, and if the leader of the party is to be taken seriously, you actually do have to think before you open your gob.
"And at times I've said things I've regretted, but I've never stood for leadership of the party. I just think Kemi didn't help herself on that occasion and she just needs to think before she speaks."
