PM defends record as Badenoch says he squandered election win

At PMQs, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of having squandered his political capital ahead of next week’s elections. Starmer defended Labour’s record, saying the party had delivered rights at work, security for renters, and lifted half a million children out of poverty. He argued the Conservatives were engaging in political games by pursuing a Privileges Committee inquiry over the appointment of Lord Mandelson, who was briefly UK ambassador to the US. The PM noted defence spending had risen to its highest level since the end of the Cold War and cited Labour’s youth guarantee. Badenoch raised rumours of a government reshuffle, asking whether the PM would listen to the country and reshuffle the Chancellor; Starmer did not give a direct answer. Downing Street previously said Rachel Reeves would remain as Chancellor for the Parliament. Liberal Democrat Ed Davey used a question to raise food security amid war in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, urging a Good Food Bill. Starmer said he had discussed food security with Davey and criticized Davey for backing the Privileges Committee motion. The article also notes next week’s elections in Scotland, Wales, and England.

The House of Commons voted not to refer the prime minister to the Privileges Committee by 335 votes to 233. The motion was opposed by the majority of Labour MPs, following a No 10 operation to rally support for the prime minister.