Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed suggestions that he is a caretaker PM after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch used Prime Minister’s Questions to attack both his leadership and Labour’s record in office.
During the exchange, Badenoch focused on rising energy bills, education challenges and policing concerns. She argued that everything is getting worse under Labour and highlighted claims circulating in Westminster that some Labour MPs see Starmer as a temporary leader.
Starmer rejected the label, insisting he is focused on delivering stability and addressing issues affecting ordinary people.
During PMQs, Badenoch claimed energy bills had increased by £187 since Labour took power, citing changes to the energy price cap.
Starmer countered with Labour’s claim that the Budget will cut bills by £150, pointing to the scrapping of the Energy Company Obligation and a temporary shift of Renewables Obligation costs from consumers to the government. The Office for Budget Responsibility noted this shift will increase government borrowing.
The political tension was echoed outside the chamber. Labour grandee David Blunkett acknowledged internal frustration but urged would-be challengers to “get on with what you’re doing” and let events unfold.
He added that after a “rocky eighteen months”, Labour must “get its act together” to stay on course.
