North West Essex MP & Conservative leader says some politicians "only interested in TV"
Kemi Badenoch made the comments at a farmers' event in rural Essex
Last updated 23rd Jan 2026
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has hit out at fellow politicians for apparently wanting only to "appear on TV", and claims they are not interested in the people they were elected to serve.
The North West Essex MP made the comments to Greatest Hits Radio as she visited a farmers' event in Little Waltham.
At the end of a week where the country has seen protests by farmers over rising costs and taxes, the leader of the opposition said the Conservatives were the "only party that has a credible plan for farmers."
She said: "Food security is part of our national security, and we need to start thinking about supply chains, and shipping lanes.
"What would happen if something went wrong and someone disrupted our food supply?
"We need a farming industry that can feed us as much as possible."
Labour has previously said it's investing as much as £5million in farming, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he's happy to work with farmers.
Ms Badenoch added: "People need to know what they're voting for - we only want serious people.
Some politicians haven't got any ideas or plans - we're about the national interest, not self-interest."