New UK Prime Minister not the leader Britain needs — Kemi Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, has offered her congratulations to Andy Burnham on his assumption of the prime minister's office, while simultaneously asserting that the country requires a leader capable of making difficult decisions rather than one focused on pleasing everyone.

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Today, Britain has a new Prime Minister. I wish Andy Burnham every success. Because we need a Prime Minister and a Government focused on fixing the public’s priorities.

In a statement released on X, Badenoch wished Burnham success but emphasized her role as Leader of the Opposition would be to hold his government accountable. "My job as Leader of the Opposition, is to hold the Prime Minister to account, not to be his cheer leader. When he does the right thing, I will praise him," she stated.

Badenoch welcomed reports that Burnham plans to approve licenses for the Jackdaw and Rosebank gas fields in the North Sea. However, she urged him to go further, advocating for an end to all restrictions on new licenses to boost domestic energy production. "Let’s get Britain drilling so we can bring down the cost of energy," she proposed.

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My job as Leader of the Opposition, is to hold the Prime Minister to account, not to be his cheer leader. When he does the right thing, I will praise him.

She also criticized Burnham for taking office without presenting a clear governing agenda. Badenoch pointed out that Burnham has avoided parliamentary scrutiny, with Prime Minister's Questions not scheduled until September, and has opted for an interview with Gary Lineker over broader media engagement. "Andy Burnham is becoming Prime Minister without having set out a clear plan for government," she noted.

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In that spirit, I welcome press reports that Burnham plans to grant licences for the Jackdaw and Rosebank gas fields in the North Sea. But he must not stop there. He should end Ed Miliband’s destructive ban on new licences altogether. Let’s get Britain drilling so we can bring down the cost of energy.

Furthermore, Badenoch commented on the Labour Party's economic record under former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, arguing that a change in leadership alone would not resolve the nation's issues. She cited a growing welfare bill, higher unemployment, and increased energy costs as legacies of the previous administration, attributing these problems to a high tax burden hindering economic growth. Badenoch suggested reducing government spending, particularly on welfare, as a solution.

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Andy Burnham is becoming Prime Minister without having set out a clear plan for government. He has refused calls to come to Parliament to answer questions from MPs, meaning there won’t be a PMQs until September. He has avoided proper media scrutiny, giving an interview instead to Gary Lineker.