‘You’re A Terrible Prime Minister’: Badenoch Tears Into Starmer After Resignation

Leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has launched a blistering attack on outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, describing him as a “terrible Prime Minister” and blaming Labour Party policies for many of the challenges facing the United Kingdom.

Badenoch reacted on Monday shortly after Starmer announced his resignation, using a statement posted on her official X account to criticise the Labour government’s record since taking office.

The Conservative leader listed a series of policy decisions she said had damaged the country, including tax increases, welfare policies, defence spending decisions and energy strategy.

“Hiking national insurance. The Family Farm Tax. Giving up on real welfare reform. Not funding our defence. Not drilling our own oil and gas. Appointing Peter Mandelson, then lying about what had happened,” she wrote.

While criticising Starmer’s leadership, Badenoch argued that the country’s problems extended beyond the departing prime minister and reflected broader Labour Party values and priorities.

“Britain is not ungovernable. Keir Starmer is a terrible Prime Minister. But the problem isn’t just Starmer,” she said.

According to Badenoch, Labour lawmakers favour higher taxes and increased welfare spending rather than policies aimed at boosting economic productivity and growth.

“Labour MPs only want higher taxes to hand out more benefits, as the Welfare Secretary has pointed out. These are Labour’s choices and their values, regardless of who is running the party,” she added.

The Conservative leader used the opportunity to position her party as the alternative capable of reviving the economy and restoring growth.

“We need to get Britain working again. We need the Conservatives,” she stated.

Starmer announced his resignation less than two years after becoming prime minister, bringing an end to a turbulent period marked by policy reversals, internal party pressures and declining political support.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, the Labour leader said he had concluded that it was time for a new generation of leadership ahead of the next general election.

He disclosed that the process of selecting a new Labour leader would begin in July and that he would remain in office until a successor is chosen, with the transition expected to be completed by September.

Starmer also said he planned to spend more time with his family after leaving office, thanking his wife, Vic, for her support throughout his premiership.

The outgoing prime minister acknowledged that growing pressure within the Labour Party had contributed to his decision to step aside.

His resignation has already triggered a succession race within Labour, with senior figures positioning themselves for what could become one of the most consequential leadership contests in recent British political history.