The Conservative party has confirmed that Kemi Badenoch will not issue an apology for her conduct during a confrontational Prime Minister’s Questions session, where she repeatedly targeted government officials. Throughout the debate, Badenoch claimed Labour members were backing Sir Keir Starmer while simultaneously holding “400 knives” to his back, prompting Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to demand better decorum. The Conservative leader further labeled certain Labour MPs as “traitors” and specifically disparaged Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson as a “spiteful class warrior.”
This appearance marked the first PMQs since Sir Keir Starmer announced his upcoming resignation. During the session, Badenoch suggested Labour members had traded their loyalty to Starmer for the appeal of leadership favorite Andy Burnham. She also leveled criticism at Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, accusing them of damaging the economy and industrial sectors. The Speaker intervened to warn that such inflammatory language risks being mimicked by members of the public.
Following the session, the tension persisted in the division lobbies. Reports indicate an argumentative encounter occurred between Badenoch and Phillipson. Phillipson later commented on social media that the Conservative leader had lost her composure, while Badenoch continued to attack the Education Secretary’s policies regarding school funding. Sir Keir Starmer used his time to defend his ministers, highlighting Phillipson’s personal background and Reeves’ economic strategy, asserting that he will leave the nation in a stronger position than when he assumed office.
