Kemi Badenoch Critiques Starmer Amid Rising Taxes, Channel Crossings, UK Economic Struggles

Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Conservative Party, has sharply criticized Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer for a year marked by broken promises, economic decline, and a surge in illegal Channel crossings. Badenoch accuses Starmer’s government of raising taxes to the highest levels since World War II, dismantling effective border controls like the Rwanda deportation scheme, and causing a record number of migrants to enter the UK, all while facing multiple policy U-turns that have undermined government authority. She highlights widespread disillusionment among voters who expected a centrist Labour government but instead see what she describes as a return to Jeremy Corbyn-style left-wing policies under Starmer. Meanwhile, Badenoch has engaged with the British horseracing industry to advocate maintaining the sport’s international prominence amid government proposals that would increase betting duties, potentially threatening the sector. Despite the Conservative Party's polling struggles, recent data suggest their support may have stabilized, and there is potential for reclaiming voters lost to the Reform Party, whose internal divisions and waning momentum could benefit the Tories. Badenoch’s leadership is facing challenges, but changes within the Conservative Party and Reform Party dynamics could alter the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.