Kemi Badenoch has come under fierce criticism after comparing Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to a Nazi-era Gestapo officer during a dispute over the government’s decision to remove tax breaks for private schools.
The Conservative leader made the remark in an interview with The Spectator, where she said Phillipson “has acted like a Gestapo officer” in relation to the policy.
Her comments quickly sparked a backlash, with Labour figures and MPs condemning the comparison and demanding an apology.
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Phillipson responded directly on X, writing: “The Gestapo marched hundreds of thousands of innocent people to their deaths. I’ve ended private schools’ tax breaks to invest in state schools.
“No responsible leader makes vile comparisons like this. Kemi Badenoch is not fit to be Prime Minister.”
The Gestapo marched hundreds of thousands of innocent people to their deaths.
I’ve ended private schools’ tax breaks to invest in state schools.
No responsible leader makes vile comparisons like this. Kemi Badenoch is not fit to be Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/KvBOZIJqYF
— Bridget Phillipson (@bphillipsonMP) June 16, 2026
Labour MPs Demand Apology Over Gestapo Comparison
Among those criticising Badenoch was Labour MP Phil Brickell, who serves as secretary of the all-party parliamentary group on Germany.
Brickell called on the Tory leader to retract her comments and apologise.
He said: “Kemi Badenoch’s characterisation of Bridget Phillipson as having ‘acted like a Gestapo officer’ over private school VAT fees are contemptible, unbecoming of any parliamentarian and demonstrate – yet again – that Badenoch is completely unfit for public office.
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“Her remarks serve no purpose but to undermine the UK-Germany relationship and sow unnecessary division. Ad hominem attacks such as this inexplicable reference to Nazi-era officials should not be tolerated in our public discourse.
“I had hoped that language such as this was a thing of the past. Kemi Badenoch should withdraw her comments immediately and unreservedly apologise.”
Conservatives Defend Badenoch Amid Private Schools Tax Dispute
A spokesperson for Badenoch defended her position and criticised the government’s approach to independent schools.
The spokesperson said: “Bridget Phillipson has pursued a class war on independent schools, forcing many treasured schools to shut, upending the lives of young people across the country, and sending hundreds of children into already overcrowded state schools.
“Worse still, the money from her vindictive tax raid was supposed to fund new teachers, and even the Department for Education’s own website says teacher numbers are lower than under the Conservatives.
“Instead of getting self-righteous, Phillipson should focus on her job. Or even better – stand aside for someone who isn’t out to ruin the lives of people who don’t vote Labour.”
Political Row Intensifies Over Education Policy
The dispute centres on Labour’s decision to end tax advantages previously enjoyed by private schools, a policy ministers say will help direct additional funding towards the state education sector.
Badenoch’s remarks have now become the latest flashpoint in the ongoing political battle over education policy, with Labour accusing the Conservative leader of using inappropriate language and Conservatives continuing to attack the government’s approach to independent schools.
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