UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has delivered a scathing verdict on Keir Starmer following his resignation as Prime Minister and Labour Party leader, calling him a “terrible Prime Minister” and accusing Labour of systemic failures across multiple policy areas.
Badenoch Blames Labour for Britain’s Problems
In a statement posted on X on June 22, 2026, Badenoch argued that Britain’s challenges extend beyond Starmer’s leadership. “Britain is not ungovernable. Keir Starmer is a terrible Prime Minister. But the problem isn’t just Starmer,” she wrote. She claimed that Labour’s wider political approach is the bigger issue, with many Labour MPs supporting higher taxes to fund increased welfare spending.
Tax and Welfare Policies Under Fire
Badenoch criticised Labour’s economic decisions, including what she described as “hiking national insurance” and introducing a “Family Farm Tax.” She accused the party of abandoning meaningful welfare reform, arguing that Labour’s policies would increase spending rather than encourage employment. “Labour MPs only want higher taxes to hand out more benefits,” she said.
Defence and Energy Concerns Raised
The Conservative leader also attacked Labour’s approach to national defence, accusing the government of failing to provide adequate funding for the military. She called for welfare spending to be reduced to free up resources for defence. “We need to cut welfare and fund our military,” Badenoch stated. Additionally, she criticised Labour’s energy policy, claiming the party refuses to fully develop Britain’s own oil and gas resources.
Starmer’s Resignation Creates Uncertainty
Starmer’s resignation after less than two years in office has plunged the Labour Party into uncertainty as it prepares to elect a new leader. Badenoch used the moment to argue that Labour’s challenges are deeper than a change of leadership. “The country is not being governed,” she said, alleging that the government has failed to focus on national security and other critical issues.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump also reacted to reports of Starmer’s potential resignation, citing concerns over immigration and energy policy failures. Trump made the remarks on Truth Social, criticising Starmer’s handling of key domestic issues and suggesting growing political pressure within the Labour Party.
