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Cleverly set to return to Tory front bench as shadow housing secretary

Tory Frontbenchers Accused of Mocking Angela Rayner in Commons Clash

In a heated moment that has sparked widespread controversy and debate about parliamentary decorum, several prominent Conservative MPs, including James Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch, Alan Mak, and Nigel Huddleston, have been accused of mocking Labour's Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner during her appearance at the dispatch box. The incident, captured on camera during a session in the House of Commons, has ignited discussions on sexism, classism, and the toxic undercurrents of British politics. Lip-reading experts and social media users have scrutinized the footage, claiming that Cleverly, the shadow home secretary, appeared to mouth derogatory remarks about Rayner's performance. This episode not only highlights the ongoing partisan rancor but also underscores the personal attacks that female politicians, particularly those from working-class backgrounds like Rayner, often face in the male-dominated arena of Westminster.

The scene unfolded during what was meant to be a routine exchange in the Commons, shortly after Labour's landslide victory in the general election. Rayner, stepping in for Prime Minister Keir Starmer who was absent, faced off against her Tory counterparts. As the first woman from a working-class background to hold such a senior position in government, Rayner has long been a target for criticism from the opposition benches. Her no-nonsense style, Mancunian accent, and background as a former care worker and trade unionist have made her a symbol of Labour's shift towards representing everyday Britons, but they have also drawn sneers from some quarters of the Conservative Party, who view her as an easy mark for ridicule.

Video footage from the session shows the group of Tory MPs—James Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch (the shadow business secretary), Alan Mak (a former minister and MP for Havant), and Nigel Huddleston (shadow financial secretary to the Treasury)—huddled together on the front benches, laughing and gesturing animatedly while Rayner spoke. According to lip-reading analysis shared widely on platforms like Twitter and TikTok, Cleverly is alleged to have said something along the lines of "she's shit" or a similar disparaging comment directed at Rayner's delivery. Badenoch, known for her forthright and often controversial views on issues like gender and race, appeared to be joining in the laughter, while Mak and Huddleston were seen exchanging glances and chuckles. The moment quickly went viral, with Labour supporters and women's rights advocates condemning it as a blatant display of misogyny and elitism.

James Cleverly, a veteran of Boris Johnson's cabinet and a potential future leadership contender for the Conservatives, has faced particular scrutiny. His reputation as a straight-talking former soldier and diplomat has been both an asset and a liability; while he is praised for his media savvy, incidents like this feed into narratives of Tory arrogance. Cleverly has denied the specific allegations, insisting that any comments were not intended to be personal attacks but rather light-hearted banter typical of the Commons' adversarial atmosphere. In a statement, he emphasized that politics is a "robust business" and that focusing on lip-reading interpretations distracts from substantive policy debates. However, critics argue that such behavior undermines the seriousness of parliamentary proceedings and sets a poor example for public discourse.

Kemi Badenoch, another rising star in the Tory ranks and a vocal critic of "woke" culture, has also come under fire. Badenoch, who immigrated to the UK from Nigeria as a teenager and rose through the ranks via her work in finance and politics, positions herself as a champion of meritocracy. Yet her involvement in the mocking has led to accusations of hypocrisy, especially given her past defenses against identity-based attacks. Supporters of Badenoch point out that she has faced her own share of racist and sexist abuse, suggesting that the incident is being blown out of proportion by a media eager to portray Conservatives as out of touch. Nonetheless, the optics are damaging, particularly as the party grapples with its post-election identity crisis, having lost significant ground among women and working-class voters.

Lesser-known but equally implicated are Alan Mak and Nigel Huddleston. Mak, the first British MP of Chinese heritage, has built a career on promoting diversity and inclusion within the Conservative Party. His participation in the laughter has raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether it contradicts his advocacy for underrepresented groups. Huddleston, a former sports minister with a background in business, is seen as a moderate voice in the party, but his apparent amusement during the exchange has drawn criticism from those who expected better from someone in a shadow treasury role. Neither has issued a detailed public response, though party sources indicate they view the controversy as a manufactured distraction by Labour to deflect from policy shortcomings.

Angela Rayner herself has responded with characteristic defiance. In interviews following the incident, she dismissed the mockery as "water off a duck's back," drawing on her experiences growing up in a council estate in Stockport and facing adversity throughout her career. Rayner highlighted how such attacks only strengthen her resolve, stating, "I've dealt with worse from blokes in pubs— this is just posh boys in suits trying to feel superior." Her comments resonate with many who see her as a refreshing antidote to the Eton-educated elite that has long dominated British politics. Labour colleagues, including shadow ministers, have rallied around her, using the episode to call out what they describe as systemic sexism in Westminster. Prominent figures like Jess Phillips have publicly condemned the Tories, arguing that belittling a woman's performance based on her accent or background is indicative of deeper prejudices.

This incident is not isolated; it fits into a broader pattern of gendered attacks in UK politics. Historical examples abound, from the treatment of Margaret Thatcher, who was often caricatured for her voice and demeanor, to more recent figures like Diane Abbott, who has endured racist abuse. Rayner's case adds a class dimension, as her critics often weaponize her lack of a university education or her forthright manner against her. Political analysts suggest that the Conservatives' strategy of personal attacks may backfire, especially in an era where voters are increasingly turned off by negativity. Polling data post-election shows that Labour's appeal among women and northern voters was bolstered by figures like Rayner, who embody authenticity in contrast to perceived Tory elitism.

The fallout has prompted calls for reform in parliamentary conduct. Organizations like the Fawcett Society, which campaigns for gender equality, have urged Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to investigate and enforce stricter rules on behavior during debates. There are suggestions for mandatory training on unconscious bias and decorum for all MPs, though skeptics doubt such measures would curb the inherently combative nature of the Commons. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party leadership, under Rishi Sunak at the time (though this has since evolved), has been accused of failing to rein in its members, potentially alienating moderate voters crucial for any electoral recovery.

Broader political context adds layers to this story. The Conservatives, reeling from their worst defeat in history, are in the midst of soul-searching. Figures like Cleverly and Badenoch are positioning themselves for future leadership bids, making any misstep potentially costly. Rayner, on the other hand, has solidified her role as a key player in Starmer's government, often taking on high-profile tasks and championing issues like workers' rights and housing. Her ability to weather such storms enhances her stature within Labour, where she is seen as a bridge to the party's traditional base.

Social media has amplified the controversy, with hashtags like #ShesNotShit trending in support of Rayner. Celebrities, activists, and ordinary citizens have shared stories of similar experiences, turning the incident into a cultural flashpoint. It raises questions about how much "banter" is acceptable in politics and whether the Commons' traditions foster division rather than debate. As one commentator put it, "If lip-reading is the new battleground, perhaps it's time for politicians to speak more clearly—or shut up altogether."

In the end, this episode serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing modern British politics: the clash between tradition and progress, elitism and representation, and the personal toll of public service. While the accused MPs may brush it off as harmless, the lasting impact could be a shift in how voters perceive the opposition's fitness to govern. For Angela Rayner, it's another badge of resilience in a career defined by overcoming odds. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: in the cutthroat world of Westminster, words—spoken or mouthed—can wound deeper than any policy critique.

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Read the Full London Evening Standard Article at:
[ https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/james-cleverly-kemi-badenoch-alan-mak-nigel-huddleston-angela-rayner-b1239455.html ]