Leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has launched a sharp attack on the Labour government following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement that he will step down from office.
Reacting to the development on Monday, Badenoch described Starmer’s tenure as unsuccessful and argued that Britain’s current challenges stem from Labour’s broader policies rather than the Prime Minister alone.
In a statement shared on her official X account, Badenoch criticised several decisions taken by Starmer’s administration, accusing the government of pursuing policies that have placed greater strain on businesses and citizens.
“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,” she wrote.
The Conservative leader maintained that the country’s difficulties were rooted in Labour’s political philosophy and priorities.
“Britain is not ungovernable. Keir Starmer is a terrible Prime Minister. But the problem isn’t just Starmer,” Badenoch said.
She further accused Labour lawmakers of supporting increased taxation and welfare spending instead of focusing on economic growth and productivity.
“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.
Badenoch insisted that the Conservative Party remains best positioned to revive the British economy and improve national productivity.
“We need to get Britain working again. We need the Conservatives,” she stated.
Her comments came shortly after Starmer confirmed his intention to resign as Prime Minister, less than two years after leading Labour back into government.
Addressing the nation outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said the Labour Party required new leadership ahead of the next general election. He disclosed that the process of selecting a new party leader would commence in July and that he would remain Prime Minister until a successor is elected.
According to Starmer, the transition is expected to be completed by September.
The outgoing Prime Minister also revealed plans to spend more time with his family, thanking his wife, Vic, for her support throughout his time in office. He acknowledged that growing internal pressure within the Labour Party played a role in his decision to step aside.
Starmer’s resignation has triggered a fresh leadership contest within Labour, with several prominent figures expected to enter the race, including Andy Burnham.
Political observers say the development marks a significant moment in British politics and could reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of the next general election.
