Badenoch Blasts Starmer After Resignation, Says Labour’s Policies Have Failed Britain

Leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has launched a scathing attack on outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer following his resignation, accusing both the Labour leader and his party of pursuing policies that have weakened Britain’s economy and governance.
In a statement posted on her official X account shortly after Starmer announced his decision to step down on Monday, Badenoch criticised key decisions taken during his administration, including increases in national insurance, the Family Farm Tax, welfare reforms, defence funding, energy policy, and the appointment of Peter Mandelson. She argued that these policies reflected Labour’s priorities rather than isolated leadership failures.
“Britain is not ungovernable. Keir Starmer is a terrible Prime Minister. But the problem isn’t just Starmer,” Badenoch wrote. According to her, Labour MPs favour higher taxation to finance expanded welfare spending instead of implementing policies that encourage economic growth and productivity. She maintained that the country’s challenges are rooted in Labour’s political values, regardless of who leads the party.
Calling for a change in direction, Badenoch said Britain needs to “get working again” and insisted that the Conservative Party remains the best alternative to restore economic confidence and national growth.
Starmer announced his resignation less than two years after taking office, ending a premiership marked by policy reversals and mounting political pressure. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, he said the time had come for new leadership ahead of the next general election and confirmed that the process of electing a new Labour leader would begin in July.
The outgoing prime minister said he would remain in office until a successor is chosen, with the leadership transition expected to be completed by September. Starmer also revealed that he intends to spend more time with his family after leaving office, thanking his wife, Vic, for her support and acknowledging that increasing pressure within the Labour Party contributed to his decision to step aside.