Kemi Badenoch once again savaged Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, delivering a performance described as a 'bloodbath' by political observers. The Conservative leader's relentless attacks left the Prime Minister visibly struggling, with many predicting he has only two more PMQs sessions before stepping down.
Badenoch's Fiery Start
Dressed in a striking turquoise dress, Badenoch began with waspish wit, congratulating Starmer on Labour's by-election win in Makerfield before joking that he would be less happy with his newest MP than she was with hers, Douglas Lumsden. Starmer, wearing a look of post-resignation relief, responded that he was 'very pleased with our new member of parliament' and claimed it would take the Tories 500 years to return to power at their current rate. This lit the touchpaper, sending Badenoch into full attack mode.
Brutal Attacks on Labour Figures
Badenoch accused Labour MPs of abandoning Starmer for 'a pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt'—a reference to leadership frontrunner Andy Burnham, who notably did not attend his first PMQs since re-entering Parliament. She also torched Chancellor Rachel Reeves as a failed Chancellor and savaged Ed Miliband on multiple fronts. She claimed Labour MPs were cheering the lame duck PM despite '400 knives stuck in his back', branding many as 'traitors and deserters' who 'don't like it up 'em'—a reference to the sitcom Dad's Army.
Speaker Intervention and Aftermath
The attacks were too much for Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who called for 'a little bit more decorum and respect'. Despite his intervention, the animosity spilled over into the division lobbies afterwards, where Badenoch reportedly clashed with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. According to sources, Badenoch told Phillipson: 'You are spiteful, I'm never going to stop talking about how spiteful you are.' Phillipson is said to have replied: 'The public are going to find out who you really are.'
Entertainment Value
The session was described as more entertaining than England's frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana in the World Cup, with TV presenter Lorraine Kelly reportedly enjoying the spectacle from the Press Gallery. Conservative MPs shared clips on social media, with one tweet from the party account reading: '@KemiBadenoch telling it as it is'.
Labour's Dismay
If Badenoch continues this form, Labour MPs may be echoing another Dad's Army catchphrase: Private Frazer's 'We're doomed!' The performance underscores the challenges facing Starmer's leadership as his party grapples with internal divisions and a resurgent Conservative opposition.
