Kemi Badenoch vs Keir Starmer: The PMQs Showdown That Left Tories Cringing

If you missed the latest episode of Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), don’t worry—we’ve got the tea. And trust me, it’s piping hot. Kemi Badenoch, the UK’s Business Secretary, stepped into the ring to face Labour leader Keir Starmer, and let’s just say… it didn’t go as planned for the Tories.

Kemi Badenoch’s Big Swing… and a Miss

Kemi Badenoch tried to flex during PMQs by taking credit for the government’s defense spending announcement. But Keir Starmer wasn’t having it. He clapped back, pointing out that the extra cash for defense was coming from cuts to international aid. Ouch. Starmer called it a “fiscal sleight-of-hand,” and honestly, it’s hard to argue with that.

To make matters worse, Badenoch’s recent speech at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship conference was described as “incoherent” and lacking impact. Yikes. It’s like showing up to a debate with no notes and hoping for the best—except this is national politics, not a secondary school competition.

Starmer’s Winning Streak

Meanwhile, Keir Starmer was out here playing 4D chess. Not only did he shut down Badenoch’s defense spending claims, but he also made her look irrelevant in the process. His Conservative colleagues were reportedly looking awkward and embarrassed, like when your friend tells a joke that flops at a party.

Starmer’s defense of the £13.4 billion increase in defense spending was solid. He called it the “largest sustained increase since the Cold War,” and while the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) accused him of playing “silly games with numbers,” Starmer stood his ground. He even got a jab in about protecting Ukraine, which is a hot topic right now.

Who’s Winning the Leadership Race?

Now, let’s talk about the bigger picture. Both Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch are facing challenges from Nigel Farage’s insurgent populism. But while Starmer seems to be holding his own, Badenoch is struggling to define what the Conservative Party even stands for these days.

Critics say her strategy of not having clear policies is backfiring, and her leadership skills are being called into question. The Conservative Party isn’t exactly known for its patience with wobbly leaders, so Badenoch might want to step up her game—and fast.

On the other hand, Starmer has more time to recover and is in a stronger position overall. Plus, he’s got a trip to Washington, D.C., coming up to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. Talk about a power move.

The Drama Behind Defense Spending

The defense spending debate is where things got really spicy. Badenoch pressed Starmer on the numbers, pointing out the discrepancy between the £13.4 billion figure he mentioned and the £6 billion figure from the Defense Secretary. But Starmer held firm, insisting that the £13.4 billion increase is accurate and necessary for the country’s security.

The fact that this increase is being funded by cutting international aid has caused some serious side-eye among MPs. It’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul, except Peter is international aid, and Paul is defense spending. Not a great look, especially when you’re trying to win over voters.

What’s Next for Badenoch and Starmer?

So, who’s going to come out on top? Right now, it’s looking like Starmer has the upper hand. He’s got a clear message, a strong defense of his policies, and a trip to Washington to boost his international credentials.

Badenoch, on the other hand, needs to find her footing—and fast. The Conservative Party isn’t known for its patience, and if she doesn’t step up soon, she could find herself on the wrong side of a leadership challenge.

Final Thoughts

This PMQs showdown was a masterclass in political drama. Keir Starmer came out swinging, while Kemi Badenoch struggled to land a punch. Whether you’re Team Starmer or Team Badenoch, one thing’s for sure: UK politics is never boring.

So, what do you think? Is Badenoch’s lack of policies a dealbreaker, or does Starmer’s defense spending plan have you raising an eyebrow? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s gist!