Commons Speaker Urges Respect Amid Fiery Debate
The Conservatives have confirmed that Kemi Badenoch will not apologise for her language following a contentious Prime Minister's Questions session, during which she repeatedly criticised government ministers.
During the Commons session, Badenoch remarked that Labour MPs were cheering Sir Keir Starmer despite there being "400 knives stuck in his back," prompting Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to call for "a little bit more decorum and respect."
The Conservative leader further described many Labour MPs as "traitors and deserters" and labelled Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson a "spiteful class warrior." Badenoch and Phillipson engaged in a heated exchange shortly after PMQs.
Labour Leadership and Internal Criticism
In the first Prime Minister's Questions session since Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation, Badenoch accused Labour MPs of having "abandoned" him for "a pair of eyelashes and a black t-shirt," referencing leadership frontrunner Andy Burnham.
Sir Keir resigned as Labour leader on Monday, clearing the way for a new prime minister to be appointed as early as next month. Burnham, the new MP for Makerfield, is widely regarded as the favourite for the position.
Badenoch also accused Chancellor Rachel Reeves of "killing jobs" and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband of "killing industry." Sir Lindsay intervened to emphasise the importance of considering the language used in the Commons, stating,
"when we leave this chamber, don't be surprised when constituents feel they can use the same language."
When asked if Badenoch would apologise, a spokesman responded,
"absolutely not."
The specific language prompting Sir Lindsay's intervention remains unclear. A Conservative source suggested the Speaker was displeased when Badenoch said Labour MPs "don't like it up them," a phrase referencing the sitcom Dad's Army. Conversely, a Labour source attributed the Speaker's comments to Badenoch's criticism of Phillipson.
Exchange Between Badenoch and Phillipson
The two exchanged words in the division lobbies following PMQs. A Labour source claimed Badenoch told Phillipson,
"You are spiteful, I'm never going to stop talking about how spiteful you are."
Phillipson reportedly replied,
"The public are going to find out who you really are."
A Conservative source stated Badenoch also told Phillipson,
"I will fight you all the way, you're destroying children's lives,"although this was subsequently denied by a source close to Phillipson.
On social media, Phillipson stated,
"Kemi lost her head at PMQs - and afterwards too,"and alleged that the Conservative leader had previously compared her "to a Gestapo officer." She added,
"I wonder what it is about a working class woman driving record investment in state schools by ending private schools' tax breaks that the Tories hate so much."
Defence of Ministers and Education Debate
Earlier in the Commons, Sir Keir defended Phillipson, highlighting her "incredible story of social mobility and success" after growing up in poverty. He stated,
"She knows that for poor children education is absolutely vital and that is why it drives every single priority and value that she has."
Badenoch responded,
"The fact is if she knew so much about poor children she wouldn't have given them fewer teachers."
The prime minister also strongly defended other ministers, including Reeves, who he credited with "ending austerity" and delivering the "right economic plan" to help "weather the global storms," including the Iran conflict.
Sir Keir expressed his belief that he will hand over the country in
"better shape"than he found it.
Related Political Developments
Andy Burnham is on course to become prime minister, with speculation that he may replace Reeves if he assumes the role. Sir Keir has held talks with Burnham to ensure an "orderly" transition.
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