Conservative leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch has launched a blistering attack on Chancellor Rachel Reeves, branding her the worst chancellor in British history. The criticism comes amid growing tensions over the government's handling of the economy and foreign policy.
Badenoch's remarks follow Reeves' public condemnation of US President Donald Trump's decision to go to war in Iran, where the chancellor expressed anger over what she described as a conflict with no clear exit strategy. Reeves stated, “I’m angry that Donald Trump has chosen to go to war in the Middle East, a war that there’s not a clear plan of how to get out of.”
The chancellor also outlined preparations for potential disruptions to oil and gas supplies, including convening 35 countries—excluding the US—to explore reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route blocked by Iran. Reeves emphasised the need for closer partnership with the EU, citing the volatile international situation.
Meanwhile, Reform UK has faced controversy over a campaign ad targeting Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, which claimed he would “prioritise the Pakistani community.” Senior Reform figure Thomas Kerr refused to rule out re-airing the ad, stating Sarwar’s statements should be scrutinised. The party also launched vans displaying images of migrants with the slogan “Scotland is at breaking point.”
On domestic energy policy, Reeves confirmed that any future support package would be targeted rather than universal, a stance criticised by the Green Party, which argues for assistance to all households to prevent anyone from slipping through the net.
