Kemi Badenoch delivered a forceful attack on the Government’s Budget, using her response to portray herself as a leader capable of offering a broader alternative to Labour’s approach.
Flanked by newly appointed shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith and her deputy Alex Burghart, the Conservative leader condemned John Healey’s plans in a series of sharp interventions in the Commons.
She said the country was “over-spent, over-borrowed, over-taxed” and argued there could be “no social security without national security”. She also described the measures as “a Budget for getting by not getting on”.
Badenoch highlighted the contrast between those receiving increased benefits and people going out to work, adding: “Just because it’s called universal credit doesn’t mean that everyone in the universe should be on it.”
She later led her supporters in a repeated list of increases, declaring: “Inflation UP, Government spending UP, debt interest UP, mortgage rates UP, benefit claims UP, unemployment UP, welfare spending UP.”
Kemi Badenoch attacks John Healey’s Budget
The speech was presented as a significant moment for Badenoch, who has sought to use parliamentary set pieces to expose weaknesses in the Government’s programme while setting out a wider political vision.
She mocked the gap between Labour’s promises and the measures announced, saying: “The Prime Minister came in promising to reverse 40 years of neoliberalism – and instead we got 4p off gherkins.”
Badenoch concluded by asking whether people listening to the Budget would be thinking, “is that it?”, before declaring: “This Budget does not come close to meeting the moment.”
Her performance contrasted with Healey’s subdued delivery. The Chancellor was portrayed as hesitant and apologetic as he outlined the plans, including a new sports centre for Trent.
Although his politics may be unpopular with some, Healey was described as an evidently decent and thoughtful figure rather than a natural public speaker. His resignation from Keir Starmer’s Government over defence spending was cited as evidence that he had principles.
He appeared relieved when he sat down after completing the speech, receiving a reassuring pat on the back from the Prime Minister.
The Commons atmosphere remained lively during the exchanges, with Speaker Nusrat Ghani rebuking angry Government MPs. Addressing Milton Keynes MP Emily Darlington, she said: “Miss Emily Darlington, normally so polite,” before adding: “Not a great day.”
Badenoch’s attack was portrayed as more than an attempt to identify flaws in the Budget. The argument was that criticism alone would not be enough, and that she would need to demonstrate that the Conservatives had a workable alternative and the ability to deliver it.
Her confidence, appetite for confrontation and reliance on a newly streamlined team of loyal allies were presented as giving her greater authority in the Commons.
The broader criticism of Labour was that its focus remained narrow and uninspiring, with repeated references to austerity failing to offer a compelling vision of the future.
Against that backdrop, Badenoch was cast as the political antidote: a figure using the Budget debate not only to attack the Government, but to claim the initiative for the Conservatives.
