Leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has launched a fierce attack on Keir Starmer following his surprise resignation as Labour leader and Prime Minister.
Starmer announced on Monday that he would step down as Labour leader after less than two years in office, though he will remain prime minister until the party elects a successor.
Reacting on X shortly after the announcement, Badenoch accused Starmer of presiding over a string of policy failures and argued that Britain’s challenges were the result of poor leadership rather than an ungovernable country.
She criticised the Labour government over a range of issues, including higher National Insurance contributions, the controversial “Family Farm Tax,” stalled welfare reforms, defence spending, and energy policy.
“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,” Badenoch wrote.
“Britain is not ungovernable. Keir Starmer is a terrible Prime Minister.”
The Conservative leader said Labour’s problems extended beyond Starmer himself, accusing Labour MPs of favouring higher taxes to fund increased welfare spending.
“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.
Badenoch concluded by calling for a Conservative return to power, saying Britain needed a government focused on economic growth and employment.
“We need to get Britain working again. We need the Conservatives,” she said.
Starmer’s resignation follows months of mounting political pressure, policy reversals and growing unrest within Labour ranks.
The party also suffered significant setbacks in local elections held earlier this year.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said every decision he made in office was guided by what he believed was best for Britain and pledged to oversee a smooth transition until Labour chooses a new leader.
