Kemi Badenoch Faces Scrutiny Over Civil Service Job Cuts

Kemi Badenoch, the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, is under fire for her proposal to significantly reduce the number of civil servants. In a recent interview with radio host Nick Ferrari, she indicated plans to bring civil service numbers back to levels seen in 2016, citing excessive growth under previous Conservative administrations.

During the interview on October 7, 2025, Badenoch acknowledged that the civil service has expanded significantly, but failed to provide specific details on how many jobs would be affected by her proposed cuts. When challenged by Ferrari about the implications of her plans, she admitted, “I don’t have the figures right in front of me but we did have a look at this.” This comment has led to widespread criticism, with many questioning her understanding of the issue.

Critics highlighted the increase in civil service numbers from 384,000 in 2016 to approximately 542,840 in 2024, an increase of 158,840 positions during Conservative governance. This contradiction between her plans to cut jobs and the party’s previous hiring decisions has not gone unnoticed. Commentators on social media responded with skepticism, with one user stating, “It seems a bit off for the Conservatives to sack a bunch of civil servants THEY hired.”

The backlash continued as observers noted the broader implications of her proposal. Many attributed the expanded civil service to increased government responsibilities, particularly following the complications arising from Brexit. One critic remarked, “The reason we have more civil servants is because Government carries out more functions because of the economically illiterate, stupid irresponsible Brexit!”

As public dissatisfaction grows, some have expressed surprise at Ferrari’s critical questioning of Badenoch, typically seen as a polarizing figure. One user commented, “I’m no fan of Nick Ferrari but it’s good to see him eviscerating Kemi Badenoch in this interview.”

In light of the criticism, Badenoch later contacted Ferrari with an update, although the details of the message remain unclear. Her handling of the civil service cuts may play a significant role in shaping public perception of her leadership capabilities and the Conservative Party’s direction.

The debate surrounding Badenoch’s civil service proposals reflects larger issues within the UK government, including accountability and the effectiveness of policy decisions. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the government will address these concerns and the potential impact on civil service employment.