Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has branded incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham a "people pleaser" and warned his government plans are "airy fairy" ahead of his premiership, which begins on Monday.
Speaking in an interview, Badenoch accused Burnham of not being aware of "what the country's priorities are". She stated that the country needs someone capable of making tough decisions and facing down internal party opposition, expressing concern that Burnham might not be that person.
Badenoch acknowledged that she likes Burnham, describing him as a "nice guy" and a "people pleaser." However, she emphasized that the role of prime minister is not a popularity contest but about improving the lives of all citizens. She criticized Burnham's recent speech as "airy-fairy stuff," suggesting he was speaking to the Labour Party rather than the nation.
"It was all Labour this, Labour that, their factions, their issues. I'm not sure that he is aware of what the country's priorities are and if he's become prime minister without that then I think he's going being for a rude awakening, to use his own words," Badenoch said.
Burnham, who recently returned to Parliament in a by-election, is set to take over from Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister on Monday, following a reception with King Charles III. He had previously given a speech at the Trade Union Congress headquarters in London on Friday, promising "significant change" and "the most significant change moment in our politics for 40 years." During this speech, Burnham made five pledges, including working with other parties in a "distinctively Labour" direction and transferring power from Westminster to local authorities.
Despite Burnham's stated aim to end point-scoring in Westminster, Badenoch declared, "I will score as many points as possible if it means the right thing for the country. What I'm not going to do is give Andy Burnham a blank cheque."
Burnham emerged as the sole leadership candidate after receiving backing from 379 Labour MPs and all 11 affiliated trade unions earlier in the week. However, he has remained reserved about who will fill the top cabinet roles ahead of his first address on Monday.
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