Kemi Badenoch has furiously defended a decision by her to miss a key Tory leadership event to take a summer holiday with her family.

All of her fellow competitors to replace Rishi Sunak took part in the first public leadership husting yesterday, taking to the stage of a prestigious private school in North Yorkshire in front of an audience of party members to make their pitch.

But Ms Badenoch, one of the key frontrunners in the race, was unavailable to attend the crucial ‘town hall’ meeting, a decision first revealed by the Express.

Following the event, it emerged that Ms Badenoch missed it due to being on holiday, something her advisors cryptically described as a ‘diary clash’ before the true reason was revealed.

The Telegraph revealed her holiday, adding that an apologetic statement had been read out to the audience from Ms Badenoch to excuse her absence.

It read: “I strongly supported a long, extended contest because as a Conservative I believe in free and fair competition”.

“Inevitably, over such a long period of time, there will be times when all six of us cannot attend every single event, and I’m afraid that today, that is the case for me.

“I am so sorry that I cannot be with you today in Yarm, but I know that there will be more opportunities for us to meet in the coming weeks and months. Teesside is such an integral part of the Conservative success story of recent years.”

Ms Badenoch has now won support from her fellow Conservatives and others after she passionately defended her summer break following the revelation.

The top Tory tweeted: “Articles portraying politicians negatively for having a family life have done much to toxify the environment for MPs”.

“We can do better than this.

“It was a pleasure to be one of the first candidates to the North East earlier this month.

“With over 100 invitations to speak, I’ll be back again touring the country after I’ve had time with my family who I promised a holiday – I’m keeping that promise.”

Former Tory MP Alexander Stafford replied: “One of the key Conservative values is putting family first”.

“After a gruelling election and almost two years as a Secretary of State where I witnessed Kemi making countless personal sacrifices, it is right she is spending some time with her young family.”

Former MP Conor Burns added: “Absolutely right. Since the election I have realised how tired I was. Politics is remorseless”.

“When I was doing the US State trade deals I would often text Kemi Badenoch from 6am up to 11pm and she replied.

“Kemi works hard and needs a break. Her kids deserve that. As does Hamish [her husband].“

Fellow ex-MP Bob Seely said: “Agreed. Well done Kemi for looking after your family. Shows you are your own woman”.

Ms Badenoch even won support from Labour MP Florence Eshalomi, who also came to the shadow Housing Secretary’s defence, arguing: “The reality is that MPs of all political parties still work in their constituency during recess but it is important to also spend time with your family”.

“Breaking a promise to children is every parent & carer’s worst nightmare as those children will deal with you.”

Ms Badenoch is the party membership’s favourite pick for the next Tory leader.