Badenoch Launches Scathing Attack on Starmer's Leadership Failures
Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch has delivered a blistering critique of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership, accusing him of demonstrating "spineless" behaviour in his handling of the Peter Mandelson resignation scandal. Badenoch claims Starmer has revealed his "true colours" through repeated failures to act decisively when confronted with controversies within his own party.
Mandelson Resignation Exposes Leadership Void
The controversy centres on Peter Mandelson's recent resignation from the Labour Party, which came amid renewed allegations about his connections to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Badenoch argues that Starmer lacked the political courage to revoke Mandelson's membership himself, instead allowing the former minister to resign voluntarily.
"Keir Starmer is in office, but not in power," Badenoch declared, highlighting what she perceives as a fundamental weakness in the Prime Minister's leadership style. "He let Mandelson quit apparently to spare Labour 'further embarrassment' – as if that were even possible given the circumstances."
Badenoch further criticised Starmer's refusal to provide adequate justification for originally appointing Mandelson as Ambassador to Washington in 2024, despite apparent awareness of the Epstein connections. She revealed that Mandelson's appointment seemingly bypassed standard comprehensive vetting procedures, with Labour's election coordinator Morgan McSweeney – described as a long-time friend of Mandelson – allegedly ensuring his associate received a prestigious government position.
Pattern of Indecision and Weakness
The Conservative MP identified what she described as a disturbing pattern in Starmer's leadership approach. "Every time a scandal erupts in Labour's ranks, Starmer freezes. He hesitates. He dithers," Badenoch asserted. "It is only when pressure becomes unbearable that he moves. And even then, more often than not, someone moves for him."
Badenoch cited several examples to support her argument:
- Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigning over tax affairs before facing removal
- Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq stepping down amid family corruption allegations rather than being dismissed
- Transport Secretary Louise Haigh departing after revelations about a fraud conviction, without facing dismissal
"Different names. Same story," Badenoch summarised. "The Prime Minister cannot bring himself to act until events have overtaken him."
Broader Implications for National Security
Badenoch extended her criticism beyond personnel matters to what she characterised as Starmer's broader weakness in defending British interests. She highlighted several policy areas where she believes the Prime Minister has failed to demonstrate sufficient backbone:
- The Chagos Islands: Badenoch accused Starmer of surrendering sovereign territory not in the national interest, but due to caving to non-binding UN resolutions, potentially costing British taxpayers £35 billion while losing strategic assets.
- China Relations: The Conservative MP criticised Starmer's recent Beijing visit, suggesting he compromised national security by approving a Super Embassy near critical London infrastructure to facilitate diplomatic engagement.
- Veterans' Protection: Badenoch attacked Starmer's approach to military personnel, claiming his willingness to scrap Conservative legislation protecting veterans creates uncertainty for serving troops about retrospective legal scrutiny of combat decisions.
"Notice the pattern: on security, on defence, on integrity in public life, the same flaw keeps appearing," Badenoch argued. "Keir Starmer is not in control of events – events control him."
Call for Stronger Leadership
Badenoch concluded with a stark contrast between what she perceives as Starmer's indecisive leadership and the Conservative alternative. "Our Prime Minister blows around like a plastic bag in the wind," she stated bluntly. "Britain does not need a lawyer endlessly weighing up how something might look to his legal friends. We need a leader who knows what the national interest is and is prepared to act on it."
The Conservative MP outlined what she believes constitutes proper leadership:
- Protecting British sovereignty against international pressure
- Standing firmly with allies and military veterans
- Prioritising national security over diplomatic convenience
- Holding leaders accountable for their appointments and decisions
"The Conservatives are the only party with the plans, the team and the backbone to govern in an increasingly dangerous world," Badenoch asserted, positioning herself and her party as the alternative to what she characterises as Starmer's weak leadership.
The controversy continues to raise questions about political accountability and leadership standards in Westminster, with Badenoch's intervention ensuring the Mandelson-Epstein connection remains firmly in the political spotlight.
