Badenoch Responds to Blair's Call for Labour Reform
Kemi Badenoch has advised former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair not to "waste your time" attempting to persuade the Labour government to alter its direction.
The Conservative Party leader acknowledged that Sir Tony was correct in urging Labour MPs to concentrate on a "proper political project that increases our economic and military strength." However, Badenoch asserted that "there is only one show in town" capable of delivering such a project, recommending that the Labour veteran vote Conservative in the upcoming general election.
Her open letter, published in The Times, follows Sir Tony's extensive 5,600-word essay in which he argued that Sir Keir Starmer's government lacks a "coherent plan" for the country and has implemented policies detrimental to business growth. The Prime Minister has defended his policy decisions.
Badenoch's letter is the latest in a series of contributions to the ongoing debate about Labour's future, which has included essays and opinion pieces from prominent Labour figures. Sir Tony's intervention comes amid speculation of a potential leadership challenge to Sir Keir following disappointing election results and ministerial resignations.
Criticism of Labour Leadership and Blair's Record
Badenoch expressed skepticism about those who might seek to replace Sir Keir, stating they "will be no better." She also critiqued aspects of Sir Tony's tenure as Prime Minister, including his approach to devolution and the impact of legal reforms on migration.
"The Blairite legacy is that the entire country is now run by HR as Labour junk your best ideas and champion your worst."
"So you're right: we need problem-solvers. It's why I trained as an engineer and later, why I came into politics. I know that real problem-solving starts with diagnosing the root cause. It means facing the facts as they are, not as we wish them to be."
"Well, Tony surely now you must accept that the facts of life are Conservative. There is only one show in town for the political project you proposed."
Badenoch also noted that Sir Tony's essay did not address "the question of who we are as a nation," emphasizing that "culture matters" and that "we are more than a series of economic units working to deliver growth."
After critiquing other political parties, Badenoch advised Sir Tony,
"Don't expect Labour to change. Don't waste your time with these essays."
She concluded with a direct message,
"If you want serious change at the next election my advice to you - as it is to everyone who is sick of Starmerism - is to vote Conservative."
Blair's Policy Suggestions and Starmer's Response
Sir Tony, who secured three general election victories, argued that a change in Labour leadership would be "irrelevant if it doesn't start with a policy debate." While agreeing with some government policies, he proposed changes such as removing parts of the net-zero agenda that "prioritise clean energy over cheaper energy" and reforming welfare.
The former Prime Minister emphasized the need for Labour to eliminate barriers to business growth, address illegal immigration, and leverage artificial intelligence. He called for the party to embrace the "radical centre."
In response, Sir Keir Starmer issued a near-3,000-word rebuttal on Thursday, defending his policy decisions given the circumstances he inherited. He acknowledged that Labour's early decision to restrict winter fuel payments, which was later reversed, was a "mistake," and admitted the party had "asked a lot" of businesses by increasing National Insurance contributions.
Nevertheless, Starmer asserted that Labour had "got the big political choices right," citing reductions in migration, NHS waiting times, and knife crime, while maintaining that the UK was "outperforming our peers" economically.
Labour Figures React and Leadership Prospects
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor seeking a return to Parliament, criticized Sir Tony for underestimating the impact of inequality in his critique. Both are considered potential challengers to Sir Keir's leadership, although no formal contest has been announced. The Prime Minister has stated he does not intend to "walk away."
Burnham is contesting the Makerfield by-election on 18 June, located on the outskirts of Wigan, in a race expected to be closely contested against Reform UK's Robert Kenyon.
You can see a full list of the candidates standing in the Makerfield by-election here.
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