Kemi Badenoch Denies Plans to Means-Test Pension Triple Lock Amid Political Backlash

The Conservative leader clarified her remarks, stating she supports the triple lock while advocating for broader means-testing reforms.

Kemi Badenoch faced criticism after suggesting on LBC that the UK needs better means-testing systems, prompting speculation about the triple lock on state pensions.
The triple lock policy guarantees annual pension increases by the highest of inflation, average earnings, or 2.5%, and has been a cornerstone of Conservative policy since 2010.
Badenoch clarified her comments, denying plans to means-test the triple lock and emphasizing her intent to address inefficiencies in means-testing for other benefits.
Opposition parties, including Labour and the Liberal Democrats, accused Badenoch of threatening pensioners' incomes, with Labour pledging to uphold the triple lock.
Conservative Party co-chair Nigel Huddleston defended Badenoch, stating her remarks were misinterpreted and focused on excluding high-net-worth individuals from certain benefits.