In this special episode of Accountancy Insights, we bring you a timely interview of Kemi Badenoch by ICAEW’s Chief Executive Alan Vallance who sat down with her after a speech she gave at Chartered Accountants’ Hall.

Badenoch talked about tackling perennial long-term problems like productivity and smarter regulation. She spoke with feeling about her frustration when, as Business Secretary in the previous Conservative government, she would meet with business leaders who showed her how debilitating regulation could be for business if the consequences of new laws are not thought through properly.

Drawing on her tech background, she also disagreed with her former colleague Jeremy Hunt that AI would replace accountants, saying “I don’t think accountants have anything to worry about.”

ICAEW’s Chief Policy and Communications Officer Iain Wright then joins our host Philippa Lamb to discuss Badenoch’s proposals and how it’s further evidence of ICAEW’s unique position as a leading voice for business.

Links

ICAEW: More on Kemi Badenoch’s speech - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/sep-2025/kemi-badenoch-speaks-at-icaew-we-need-to-take-risks

ICAEW Policy: How the government can deliver growth - https://www.icaew.com/about-icaew/regulation-and-the-public-interest/policy/how-the-government-can-deliver-growth

Host

Philippa Lamb

Guests

• Iain Wright, Chief Policy and Communications Officer, ICAEW

Producer

Natalie Chisholm

Episode first published: 18 September 2025

Podcast recorded: 12 September 2025