In a stormy session of Prime Minister's Questions that saw tempers flare, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner delivered a scorching indictment of the Conservative government's record, accusing them of presiding over a 'class war' against ordinary Britons.
Standing in for Sir Keir Starmer, who was attending a European political summit, Rayner went on the offensive against Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch. The confrontation highlighted the deep political divisions dominating Westminster as the general election campaign intensifies.
A Battle of Ideologies
Rayner didn't hold back in her criticism, lambasting what she described as 14 years of Conservative economic failure. "They have waged a class war on working people," she declared from the dispatch box, her voice rising with passion. "They have crashed the economy and unleashed a cost of living crisis on millions."
The Deputy PM pointed to stark statistics showing a dramatic rise in no-fault evictions and families struggling to make ends meet. Her attacks focused squarely on the government's handling of the economy and housing crisis, issues that are likely to dominate the upcoming election campaign.
Badenoch's Counterattack
Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, representing the government in Rishi Sunak's absence, fired back with equal vigour. She dismissed Rayner's claims as "nonsense" and accused Labour of having no substantive plan for the country's future.
"The only class war that exists is in the deputy prime minister's imagination," Badenoch retorted, criticising Labour's approach to business and economic growth. The exchange grew increasingly heated, with both politicians refusing to yield ground.
Starmer's European Mission
The absence of both party leaders added an unusual dynamic to the weekly political showdown. While Rayner stood in for Starmer, Badenoch replaced Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is visiting Austria and Germany for talks on illegal migration.
Sir Keir Starmer's presence at the meeting of centre-left leaders, including Germany's Olaf Scholz, signals Labour's preparation for government and efforts to rebuild international relationships strained after Brexit.
Election Campaign Heating Up
Political analysts view this particularly combative PMQs as a preview of the election battle to come. With the Conservatives trailing significantly in polls, both parties are sharpening their attack lines and preparing for a fierce campaign.
The confrontation between two of Westminster's most prominent women politicians also highlighted the changing face of British politics, though the substance of their debate reflected traditional left-right divides on economic policy and social justice.
As the country moves closer to an election, such heated exchanges are likely to become increasingly common, with both sides attempting to define the political narrative and win over undecided voters.
