Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, displayed a notable lack of grace during Prime Minister's Questions as she refused to offer any kind words to the departing Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Observers noted that she missed an opportunity to show empathy, instead launching into a full-scale attack on Starmer and his cabinet colleagues.
Badenoch's Unyielding Attack Mode
According to political commentator John Crace, Badenoch's approach revealed a fundamental inability to read the room. 'She has only one mode: all-out attack,' he wrote. The customary gesture of a complimentary remark toward a resigning prime minister was entirely absent. Badenoch could have acknowledged Starmer's steadfast support for Ukraine or mentioned their private conversations, but she chose not to. 'She sees kindness as a sign of weakness,' Crace added.
Her aggressive tone escalated as she targeted Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. Reeves appeared close to tears, while Miliband was accused of being a 'serial betrayer'—a remark critics deemed inappropriate on one of the hottest days of the year. Phillipson was dismissed as a 'spiteful class warrior,' sparking a prolonged exchange.
Starmer's Liberation and Defenses
Starmer, in contrast, seemed liberated by his resignation announcement. He defended his colleagues and noted that, unlike Conservative prime ministers, he was leaving the country in a better state than he found it. He made light of the Tory result in Makerfield and signed off with a positive assessment of his tenure.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey directed his opening remarks to Badenoch, pointing out that the moment called for acknowledging the personal cost of politics—a sentiment she failed to embrace. Conservative MP Desmond Swayne quoted a Hilaire Belloc poem and shared a handshake with Starmer across the Commons divide, a gesture that Starmer reciprocated by recalling Swayne's gift of champagne. Badenoch, however, reportedly saw no value in such gestures.
Reactions and Broader Implications
The session highlighted Badenoch's isolation and lack of political finesse. Crace noted that her behavior resembled that of a 'playground bully' whom her party dare not challenge. The surreal atmosphere of power transitioning was underscored by Labour MPs who had cheered Andy Burnham earlier in the week now cheering Starmer. Badenoch's failure to adapt may have long-term consequences; as Crace warned, 'Those whom she has ripped apart on her way up won't hesitate to do the same to her when she is on the way down.'
The incident has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning Badenoch's suitability as opposition leader. Her refusal to apologize or show kindness suggests a rigid approach that may alienate potential allies. As the political landscape shifts, this PMQs performance may be remembered as a defining moment of her leadership—for all the wrong reasons.
