Kemi Badenoch plans 12.5% staff cuts at Conservative HQ

Kemi Badenoch plans to cut 12.5% of staff at Conservative headquarters, reducing the workforce from 153 to 134. This follows recent job losses and a voluntary redundancy scheme that already saw 32 staff leave. Despite a £250,000 donation from Lord Ashcroft, morale at CCHQ remains low amid ongoing financial struggles. The cuts will affect various teams, including campaign and voter communications staff, which have already faced significant reductions. Insiders report a lack of confidence in Badenoch's leadership, with some Conservative MPs expressing frustration over the situation. The party has not commented on the planned redundancies.