Kemi Badenoch said Kemi Badenoch has been condemned over an “unworkable” Tory plan to slash the benefits bill.
The Conservative leader said the long-term unemployed who haven’t contributed enough tax into the system will see their Universal Credit payments cut by nearly a third if she becomes prime minister.
The new “subsistence level” benefit they do receive would be loaded onto a pre-payment card, which would ban spending on cigarettes, alcohol and betting.
Badenoch said the policy was aimed at cracking down on those who see being on benefits as “a lifestyle choice” and would encourage them to get a job.
According to the Tories, the move would save £538 million a year by reducing the benefits of 350,000 claimants.
She said: “Some will say this is unfair on people claiming benefits. What ...
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