Paralympian Richard Whitehead ‘gobsmacked’ at Tory leader’s speech over proposed £36bn welfare cuts
The double amputee marathon runner Richard Whitehead has criticised Kemi Badenoch for “weaponising his sporting success” to justify her proposed £36bn welfare cuts.
The Conservative leader used the example of “double amputees running marathons” in a speech this week to explain the reasoning behind her proposed cuts to disability benefits, which she said were enabling people to “live a life of dependency”.
Whitehead said he had been surprised at her comments and angry that his achievements were being used as part of a campaign to take money “from the most vulnerable that actually need it”.
“I was gobsmacked that somebody’s sporting success would be weaponised in this way,” he said. “To say everybody should work because double-leg amputees run marathons, I was like, wow. It’s very divisive language.
“I understand the welfare system needs a shake-up, but you shouldn’t be blanket taking money away from individuals who need it, it’s their lifeline. There are families out there relying on the support.”
Whitehead has run more than 100 marathons, set world records and won four Paralympic medals over the course of his career, while also completing endurance feats to raise money for charity.
He said several people had sent him clips of Badenoch’s speech on Tuesday and “his…
