'If he won't do the honourable thing, Labour MPs must oust Keir Starmer,' says Kemi Badenoch in blistering Commons speech

Alice Tomlinson
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:09:32 +0000

Kemi Badenoch has called on Labour MPs to oust Keir Starmer in a blistering speech to the House of Commons in a debate over the Lord Mandelson scandal.

The Leader of the Opposition said the idea that Downing Street is the victim of others not following due process is “laughable”, as she opened the emergency debate on the appointment of the former US ambassador.

She told the Commons Britain needs a Prime Minister who had a “grip” on the country, saying: “The decision about whether he will ultimately take responsibility for his actions is now up to Labour MPs.

“Labour MPs know that the Prime Minister has let the country down, he’s let Parliament down and he’s also let the Labour Party.

“It is clear to everyone except the Prime Minister himself that he has failed on his own terms.

“It is clear to the public that he is failing at the job, it is clear to civil servants that he is throwing them under the bus.

“And it is clear to members across this House that he is not fit to lead. This cannot go on.

“This House deserves better, the country deserves better, the Prime Minister is not fit for office.

“The first duty of any Prime Minister is to keep this country safe.

“This Prime Minister has put the country’s national security at risk. He must take responsibility, it is time for him to go.”