Kemi Badenoch, a contender for the Tory leadership, has described maternity pay as "excessive" and emphasized the need for individuals to take "more personal responsibility." As the shadow communities secretary, she articulated her belief that the government should play a reduced role in supporting families, stating that the solution should not be for the state to assist people in having children. Badenoch's comments reflect her broader campaign message advocating for less government intervention in personal matters.