Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Conservative Party, has launched a sharp attack on Keir Starmer following his decision to step down as UK Prime Minister and Labour leader. Starmer announced on Monday that he would resign as Labour leader after less than two years in office, but said he would remain prime minister until the party elects a successor.
Badenoch blames Starmer for policy failures
Reacting to the announcement, Badenoch said Starmer's departure was the result of poor leadership and a series of policy failures that had weakened confidence in his government. In a post on X, she accused Starmer's administration of raising taxes, failing to push through welfare reforms, underinvesting in defence, and limiting domestic energy production. She wrote: 'Hiking national insurance. The Family Farm Tax. Giving up on real welfare reform. Not funding our defence. Not drilling our own oil and gas. Appointing Peter Mandelson… then lying about what had happened. Britain is not ungovernable. Keir Starmer is a terrible Prime Minister.'
Broader Labour policies under fire
Badenoch argued that the issues facing the country were not solely tied to Starmer's leadership but reflected broader Labour Party policies. 'But the problem isn't just Starmer. Labour MPs only want higher taxes to hand out more benefits, as the Welfare Secretary has pointed out. These are Labour's choices and their values, regardless of who is running the party,' she added. She also used the opportunity to make a case for her party's return to government, saying: 'We need to get Britain working again. We need the Conservatives.'
Starmer defends his record
Starmer's resignation comes after months of growing political pressure, policy U-turns, and increasing public dissatisfaction with his administration. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer defended his record in office, saying every decision he made was guided by what he believed was best for the country. He pledged to remain in office during the transition period and support an orderly handover once Labour members elect a new leader. His resignation marks a major moment in British politics and opens a new chapter for both Labour and the opposition Conservatives as they prepare for the next phase of political competition in the UK.
