Kemi Badenoch has launched a wide-ranging attack on Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his new Cabinet, describing the team as “all equally terrifying” and questioning whether its members have the experience needed to turn Britain’s economy around.
During a heated media Q&A, the Conservative leader challenged Burnham over plans for social care, business rates, energy policy and public spending.
She warned that announcing expensive policies without identifying savings risked repeating the mistakes associated with Liz Truss’s mini-budget, and accused the new government of relying on “spending without funding”.
Badenoch also attacked Labour’s approach to Net Zero and North Sea oil and gas, arguing that current policies could increase costs, weaken British industry and leave the country more dependent on overseas energy.
She raised concerns about artificial intelligence and national security, saying the government should be focused on emerging technological threats rather than short-term political announcements.
The confrontation also turned to taxation after Gary Lineker suggested wealthy people could contribute more.
Badenoch replied that he was free to “write a cheque to the Treasury”, but warned that repeatedly taxing entrepreneurs and employers could drive investment, factories and jobs out of Britain.
Her comments set out the Conservatives’ emerging attack on Burnham’s government, that its promises may be popular, but its spending plans, Cabinet experience and economic priorities could leave working families and businesses paying the price.
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