Badenoch Issues Blistering Critique of Starmer's Leadership
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has delivered a stinging assessment of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's governance, declaring he should step down if he "can't do the job." The remarks were made during a visit to Godalming in Surrey on Monday, where Badenoch was accompanied by local MP Sir Jeremy Hunt and shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith.
"Plastic Bag in the Wind" Comparison
Speaking to the Press Association at a pub in the market town, Badenoch painted a picture of a government in disarray. "It's quite clear that Keir Starmer does not have a grip on his Government," she asserted. "He is in office, but not in power, and our country is not being governed."
Her criticism grew more vivid as she continued: "What I'm seeing is a Government that is completely adrift. The Prime Minister is blowing around like a plastic bag in the wind. If he can't do the job, then yes, he should go."
Direct Challenge to Labour MPs
Badenoch reiterated her previous offer to Labour MPs, suggesting they collaborate with Conservative whips to initiate a no-confidence vote against Starmer. "I have said that if they are ready to have a confidence vote, they should speak to my whips," she stated. While acknowledging some Labour MPs had shown interest, she declined to name individuals or specify timing.
"A few Labour MPs have given some indications – I can't say who and exactly when – but right now, what the country needs is stability and certainty," Badenoch added, framing the political turmoil as detrimental to national interests.
Context of Recent Political Turmoil
The comments follow last week's direct appeal from Badenoch to Labour MPs to join forces in challenging Starmer's leadership. At that time, she described his position amid the Lord Peter Mandelson scandal as "untenable" and claimed "Britain is not being governed" properly under his leadership.
Monday's visit coincided with the resignation of Downing Street communications chief Tim Allan, adding to the sense of instability Badenoch highlighted. During her tour of Godalming High Street, which included stops at an estate agent and coffee shop, she characterized the national situation as a "Labour psychodrama."
Accusations of Self-Inflicted Chaos
Badenoch placed responsibility for the current political climate squarely on Starmer's shoulders. "The Prime Minister is the architect of his own misfortunes, and all of the chaos and instability we're seeing is completely self-inflicted," she declared.
She further criticized Labour's parliamentary majority, suggesting it hasn't translated into effective governance. "The Labour Party have a huge majority, but can't run anything. They need to decide who is the best person to lead their party so that they can fix the problems of this country."
The Conservative leader's remarks represent one of the most forceful public challenges to Starmer's authority since he took office, escalating political tensions as both parties prepare for future electoral battles.
