'The country needs to be governed' — Kemi Badenoch criticises Starmer's resignation timeline

Leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has criticised British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's decision to remain in office until a new Labour leader is elected, arguing that the United Kingdom cannot afford a prolonged leadership transition.

Her comments come after Starmer on Monday, June 22, announced plans to step down as leader of the Labour Party and remain prime minister until the party elects his successor before Parliament resumes in September.

The outgoing prime minister said he would oversee an orderly transition after accepting the verdict of his parliamentary party on his leadership.

Starmer noted that Labour's National Executive Committee would open nominations for the leadership contest on July 9, with the process expected to conclude before Parliament returns from its summer recess.

Among the leading contenders to succeed him are Andy Burnham, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and former Health Secretary Wes Streeting.

However, speaking in a media interview on Monday, June 22, Badenoch questioned the timetable set out by Starmer and cautioned that important government decisions could be delayed during the transition period.

"We need to ask why he set out his timetable. What are we waiting for? There are critical decisions that need to be made, and the Prime Minister is setting out his farewell tour, while Andy Burnham wants a summer holiday," she said.

The Conservative leader argued that governance and national security should remain the government's immediate priorities amid the political transition.

She also linked Starmer's departure to concerns about his handling of national security matters, claiming that criticism from within his own government had weakened his position.

"It's really, really important that we ensure that the country is being governed. Keir Starmer has had to resign because his defence secretary said he was not looking after national security," Badenoch stated.

The opposition leader further called on Labour leadership contender Andy Burnham to explain how he intends to finance increased defence spending.

According to her, national security should remain at the top of the political agenda regardless of who succeeds Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister.