Badenoch blasts Starmer after shock resignation as UK faces leadership transition

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has launched a fierce attack on outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer following his surprise resignation, describing him as a “terrible Prime Minister” who lost control of both his government and his party.

Badenoch’s criticism came shortly after Starmer announced his decision to step down outside 10 Downing Street, bringing an abrupt end to a premiership that began with Labour’s landslide victory in the 2024 general election.

In his resignation speech, Starmer acknowledged that he no longer enjoyed the confidence of Labour lawmakers and accepted the party’s verdict.

“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace,” he said, adding that he would remain in office until a successor is chosen to ensure a smooth transition.

Starmer’s departure follows months of mounting pressure within the ruling Labour Party, marked by internal disagreements, cabinet resignations and growing unrest among backbench MPs.

Political observers say the Prime Minister’s position became increasingly fragile following a series of controversies that weakened his authority and fueled speculation about a leadership challenge.

Among the developments that reportedly contributed to the crisis were disputes over government spending, welfare reforms and broader concerns about the administration’s direction.

The final blow is believed to have come after a weekend of intense internal discussions that culminated in Starmer’s decision to step aside rather than face a potentially damaging leadership battle.

Reacting to the resignation, Badenoch argued that Starmer’s downfall was the result of what she described as poor leadership and repeated policy reversals.

“He was a terrible Prime Minister who caved to pressure at every turn and completely lost control of his own party,” she said.

The Conservative leader also accused the Labour government of presiding over economic uncertainty and failing to provide clear direction for the country.

Her remarks signal the start of what is expected to be an aggressive Conservative campaign against Labour as the governing party prepares to select a new leader.

Attention has now shifted to the race to replace Starmer, with Andy Burnham widely viewed as a leading contender.

Burnham’s growing popularity within Labour has strengthened his position in recent weeks, while reports suggest several senior party figures are rallying behind his potential candidacy.

Meanwhile, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting is reported to have withdrawn from the leadership contest and thrown his support behind Burnham, further boosting the latter’s prospects.

With Labour now preparing for a leadership election, Britain is set to enter another period of political transition. Starmer has indicated he will continue to carry out his duties, including representing the United Kingdom at upcoming international engagements, until a new leader is elected.

Political analysts expect the leadership contest to move quickly, with a successor potentially in place before Parliament returns from its summer recess.

As Labour seeks to restore stability, both supporters and critics will be watching closely to see whether the party can unite behind a new leader and avoid further political turbulence ahead of the next general election.