I have the integrity to be leader, says Badenoch in swipe at Jenrick

Tory leadership hopeful Kemi Badenoch has taken a swipe at her rival Robert Jenrick, saying she has the "integrity" to be leader.

Badenoch, the former equalities minister, made the comments in an interview with The Telegraph, in which she also said that she is "not afraid to stand up for what I believe in."

She said: "I think it's really important to have a leader who has integrity. Someone who is honest and trustworthy. Someone who is not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, even when it's not popular.

Badenoch's comments come after Jenrick, the former housing secretary, was accused of breaking lockdown rules by attending a party at Downing Street in May 2020.

Jenrick has denied breaking any rules, but the allegations have damaged his reputation and led to calls for him to resign.

Badenoch is one of eight candidates who are standing to be the next leader of the Conservative Party.

The leadership contest was triggered by the resignation of Boris Johnson earlier this month.

The new leader will be announced on September 5.