Sir Keir Starmer defends Rachel Reeves' record from Badenoch attacks at PMQs
Kemi Badenoch cited that former defence secretary, John Healey, had said that the Treasury was unwilling to fund the Armed Forces, stating that Sir Keir “wouldn’t be in this mess if his Chancellor had found money for the defence plan”.
Sir Keir Starmer has defended Rachel Reeves’ record at his first Prime Minister Questions since announcing his resignation, after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused her of killing economic growth.
On Monday, Sir Keir announced he would quit as Prime Minister due to pressure from MPs, with Andy Burnham expected to replace him.
After talks following Mr Burnham’s by-election win and subsequent return to Westminster, Ms Reeves is reported to be demoted in the former mayor’s potential Cabinet.
At PMQs earlier today, Sir Keir and Mrs Badenoch traded blows over his legacy.
The Tory leader cited that former defence secretary, John Healey, had said that the Treasury was unwilling to fund the defence of the country, stating that Sir Keir “wouldn’t be in this mess if his Chancellor had found money for the defence plan.”
She further added: “The Prime Minister gave her the second most important job in Britain, she was the first female Chancellor, she lives next door to him, but wouldn’t even come out to stand by him during his resignation speech.”
Referencing a picture opportunity with Mr Burnham on Monday, Mrs Badenoch said: “She was too busy getting ready for a selfie with the new leader. Does the Prime Minister feel let down by his Chancellor?”
Sir Keir defended Ms Reeves saying: “This is the Chancellor that ended austerity inflicted on our country for 14 long years.”
“This is the Chancellor who got the economy growing,” he added, turning to look back at Ms Reeves, who was sitting behind on the front bench nodding along.
Sir Keir said that in the first quarter of this year, the UK had the fastest growing economy in the G7 and that the country’s growth was upgraded by the IMF and OECD. He also added that last week “unemployment was down” and “inflation was better”.
He credited the Leeds West and Pudsey MP for having the right economic plan, saying “we can weather the global storms.”
Later, he also praised her for bringing NHS waiting lists down and lifting half a million children out of poverty.
Mrs Badenoch asked MPs: “If it’s all fantastic, why is he resigning?”
She argued that the Chancellor let the Prime Minister down, noting winter fuel payments, a “disastrous budget that killed economic growth” and high unemployment.
She described Labour ministers as “traitors and deserters … welfare MPs” and that they had “400 knives stuck up his back”.
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle interrupted the exchange to urge “more decorum and respect to each other”, emphasising “when we leave this chamber, don’t be surprised when constituents can use the same language against each other.”
Sir Keir then responded: “I shall miss these exchanges.”
Mrs Badenoch also accused Ed Miliband of letting down the Prime Minister.
“The Energy Secretary is putting up bills and killing jobs,” she said.
“He was a failed Labour leader, rejected by the electorate. Brought back from the wilderness by this man. And when the going got tough, he jumped into bed with the mayor of Manchester.”
She then added: “It’s not the first time he betrayed someone close to him, is it?
“Does the Prime Minister think that this treachery should be rewarded by being appointed Chancellor?”, referring to speculation that Mr Miliband is coveting the role in Mr Burnham’s potential cabinet.
Mr Burnham was not in attendance at his first PMQs as MP for Makerfield but was mentioned several times by the leader of the opposition, including as “a pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt”.
The outgoing mayor is frontrunner for the Labour leadership, with unlikely competition for the top spot. The country could see him crowned as soon as July 17.
He has already begun appointing his top team, with former Tony Blair minister and BBC executive, James Purnell, reported to be confirmed as his Chief of Staff.
The Financial Times also reported that Ms Reeves is set to be given a lesser role within Mr Burnham’s Cabinet.
The Prime Minister’s political spokesperson has confirmed that he will stay on as MP for Holborn and St Pancras despite his resignation.