Kemi Badenoch Urges Tony Blair: Vote Conservative, Do Not Expect Labour Change
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has told former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair to "not waste your time" attempting to sway the Labour government's policy. Badenoch's intervention came in an open letter published in The Times, responding to Sir Tony's extensive essay which criticised the current Labour administration for lacking a "coherent plan" and implementing policies detrimental to business.
Badenoch Dismisses Labour Reform Prospects
Badenoch concurred with Sir Tony's call for a "proper political project that increases our economic and military strength," but asserted that only the Conservative Party could deliver this. She urged Sir Tony, a three-time general election winner, to support the Conservatives in the upcoming general election, stating, "There is only one show in town for the political project you proposed."
The Conservative leader also cast doubt on potential successors to Sir Keir Starmer, claiming they "will be no better." She additionally critiqued aspects of Sir Tony's own government legacy, specifically concerning devolution and the impact of legal reforms on migration. Badenoch contended that the "Blairite legacy is that the entire country is now run by HR as Labour junk your best ideas and champion your worst."
Sir Tony's Critique and Labour's Response
Sir Tony's original 5,600-word essay argued that a change in Labour leadership was "irrelevant if it doesn't start with a policy debate." He suggested policy shifts, including adjusting parts of the net-zero agenda that prioritise clean energy over cheaper alternatives, welfare reform, and measures to tackle illegal immigration. He advocated for Labour to champion the "radical centre."
In a near 3,000-word riposte, Sir Keir Starmer defended his administration's policy choices, acknowledging some initial "mistakes" such as restricting winter fuel payments, but maintained the party had "got the big political choices right." Sir Keer cited reductions in migration, NHS waiting times, and knife crime as evidence, asserting the UK was "outperforming our peers" economically.
The ongoing debate follows a period of unfavourable election results for Labour and ministerial resignations, contributing to speculation about Sir Keir's leadership. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, both considered potential leadership contenders, have accused Sir Tony of underestimating the impact of inequality in his assessment.
