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

Kemi Badenoch accuses Robert Jenrick of 'peddling conspiracy theories' to win election

Tory leadership hopeful launches extraordinary attack on rival's 'baseless' claims

Badenoch says Jenrick's comments are 'dangerous' and 'unworthy' of a potential prime minister

Kemi Badenoch has accused Robert Jenrick of "peddling conspiracy theories" in a bid to win the Tory leadership election. The former equalities minister launched an extraordinary attack on her rival, saying his claims that she is a "threat to national security" are "baseless" and "dangerous". Badenoch said Jenrick's comments are "unworthy" of a potential prime minister and that he should "withdraw them immediately". Jenrick has claimed that Badenoch has links to a far-right group and that she has made comments that are supportive of white supremacy. Badenoch has denied these claims, calling them "completely false". She has also said that she has never met with the far-right group in question. The row between Badenoch and Jenrick is the latest in a series of bitter exchanges between the Tory leadership candidates. The contest to replace Boris Johnson as prime minister has become increasingly acrimonious, with the candidates trading insults and accusations. Badenoch is one of the frontrunners in the race, along with Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss. She is seen as a rising star in the Conservative Party and has been praised for her strong performances in the leadership debates. Jenrick is a former housing secretary and is seen as a close ally of Boris Johnson. He is not considered to be one of the frontrunners in the race, but he has been outspoken in his criticism of Badenoch. The row between Badenoch and Jenrick is likely to damage both of their campaigns. It is also likely to further divide the Conservative Party, which is already deeply split.