Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has issued a direct challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling for his immediate resignation and extending an invitation to rebel Labour MPs to engage in discussions with her party about orchestrating his removal from office. The dramatic intervention comes as the Prime Minister continues to grapple with the escalating fallout from revelations concerning former US ambassador Peter Mandelson and his associations.
Badenoch Brands Starmer a Coward and Offers Tory Support
During a press conference this morning, Mrs Badenoch launched a scathing attack on Sir Keir, labelling him a coward and asserting that his administration is increasingly mired in sleaze linked to Lord Mandelson and the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. She declared that the Prime Minister is failing in his fundamental duty to govern effectively, with his leadership now overshadowed by controversy.
The Conservative leader made a bold offer to Labour parliamentarians, stating: 'If they want the change they know the country needs, come and speak to my whips and let's talk seriously about a vote of no confidence to force the moment.' She emphasised that while she does not anticipate a general election before 2029, her party is prepared to fight one if necessary, confident in their ability to outperform the current government.
Starmer's Defence and Plea to MPs
In response, Sir Keir portrayed himself as a victim of what he termed Lord Mandelson's 'lies', claiming he had accepted assurances that he 'barely knew' the paedophile financier, despite well-documented evidence to the contrary. The Prime Minister made what appeared to be a desperate plea to retain his position, addressing his own MPs directly.
He stressed that he 'understands the anger and frustration' within Labour ranks but urged colleagues to 'remain focused on what we were elected for'. However, Mrs Badenoch countered this argument robustly, pointing out that Sir Keir had ample evidence regarding Mandelson's unsuitability when appointing him as ambassador to the United States.
Intensifying Pressure and Security Service Blame
The Prime Minister attempted to shift responsibility onto the intelligence services, suggesting that MI5 and MI6 had failed to adequately flag concerns about Mandelson during the vetting process. He promised that documents related to this procedure would be published 'as quickly as possible', attributing delays to the police.
Nevertheless, Sir Keir has been warned that the 'clock is ticking' on his premiership following a humiliating defeat in the Commons yesterday, which has left even his most loyal supporters conceding that his position is effectively untenable. Mrs Badenoch reinforced this sentiment, stating: 'His position is clearly untenable but it is for Labour politicians to decide when he goes because it is a question of when and not if he goes.'
Appeal to Labour Conscience and National Interest
In a direct appeal to the conscience of Labour MPs, the Conservative leader remarked: 'It is now up to Labour MPs to do the right thing. I know there are many of them who are horrified by what has happened.' She expressed scepticism that Sir Keir would voluntarily take responsibility, predicting: 'They might now expect the prime minister to take responsibility but we know he won't. He will have to be dragged out of Number 10.'
This extraordinary political manoeuvre by Mrs Badenoch underscores the deepening crisis within the Labour government, as allegations of sleaze and poor judgement threaten to derail Sir Keir's premiership entirely. The coming days will be critical in determining whether disaffected Labour parliamentarians will accept the Conservative leader's invitation to discuss a confidence vote, potentially precipitating a seismic shift in Westminster's political landscape.
