Badenoch Stands Firm on Commons Language
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has indicated she will not issue an apology for the language she employed during a contentious Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) session. The session, which saw Badenoch deliver sharp criticisms of government ministers, prompted interventions from the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
Heated Exchanges Mark PMQs
During the parliamentary debate, Badenoch made several pointed comments. She suggested that Labour MPs were supporting Sir Keir Starmer despite perceived internal dissent, metaphorically stating there were "400 knives stuck in his back." Sir Lindsay Hoyle subsequently urged for "a little bit more decorum and respect" within the chamber. Badenoch further characterized many Labour MPs as "traitors and deserters" and labeled Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson a "spiteful class warrior."
The exchange between Badenoch and Phillipson intensified after PMQs, with both politicians continuing their dispute on social media platforms.
Criticism Directed at Labour Leadership and Policies
In the first PMQs since Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation, Badenoch accused Labour MPs of abandoning him for "a pair of eyelashes and a black t-shirt," a clear reference to Andy Burnham, a frontrunner for the Labour leadership. Sir Keir Starmer's resignation on Monday has initiated a process to select his successor, with Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield, widely considered the favorite.
Badenoch also directed criticism at Chancellor Rachel Reeves, alleging she was "killing jobs," and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, whom she accused of "killing industry." Sir Lindsay Hoyle reiterated his call for careful language, cautioning that constituents might mirror the rhetoric used by MPs if decorum is not maintained.
When questioned about a potential apology, a spokesperson for Badenoch firmly responded, "absolutely not."
Disputed Origins of Speaker's Intervention
The precise remarks that prompted Sir Lindsay's intervention remain a point of contention. A Conservative source suggested the Speaker was displeased when Badenoch used the phrase "don't like it up them," referencing a popular sitcom. Conversely, a Labour source asserted that the Speaker's comments were in response to Badenoch's direct criticisms of Phillipson.
Reports indicate a heated post-PMQs exchange between Badenoch and Phillipson in the division lobbies. A Labour source claimed Badenoch told Phillipson, "You are spiteful, I'm never going to stop talking about how spiteful you are." Phillipson reportedly retorted, "The public are going to find out who you really are." A Conservative source further alleged Badenoch told Phillipson, "I will fight you all the way, you're destroying children's lives," although this has been denied by a source close to Phillipson.
Social Media Continues the Debate
Phillipson subsequently posted on social media, stating that "Kemi lost her head at PMQs - and afterwards too" and claimed Badenoch had previously compared her to a "Gestapo officer." Phillipson questioned the Conservatives' apparent disdain for "a working class woman driving record investment in state schools by ending private schools' tax breaks."
Badenoch responded on X, dismissing Phillipson's background as an excuse for perceived failures. She wrote, "'I grew up on a council estate' is not an excuse for failure," and accused Phillipson of "sacrificing the future of generations of kids on the altar of your class envy - reversing even Labour's academy reforms." Badenoch concluded, "I speak for those people whose lives you're destroying and I'll NEVER stop speaking up for them."
Starmer Defends Ministers
Earlier in the Commons, Sir Keir Starmer defended Phillipson, highlighting her "incredible story of social mobility and success" despite growing up in poverty. He asserted that her background fueled her commitment to education for disadvantaged children. Badenoch countered, stating that if Phillipson truly understood the needs of poor children, she would not have reduced the number of teachers.
The Prime Minister also defended other ministers, including Reeves, whom he credited with ending austerity and implementing an effective economic plan to navigate global challenges, such as the Iran conflict. Sir Keir expressed his belief that he would leave the country in a "better shape" than he found it.
Source: Badenoch won't say sorry for language at fiery Commons session