Kemi Badenoch has launched a scathing attack on Andy Burnham’s plan to fix what he calls a “broken Westminster”, insisting that devolution is “no silver bullet”.
Speaking to GB News, the Conservative Party leader warned the Downing Street hopeful that if he becomes the next Prime Minister, she will be “waiting in Parliament” for him with “a lot of questions”.
In a speech to the nation today, Mr Burnham outlined his 10-year plan, promising what he described as the “biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times”.
He said: “The time has come to build the broadest possible coalition of people to lift Britain back up to where we all want it to be.
“After 10 years of political turbulence since Brexit and 20 years of falling living standards since the 2008 financial crash, Westminster has not been working for people, and it hasn’t been working for a very long time.”
Criticising the Andy Burnham, Mrs Badenoch argued that he “doesn’t have a plan” and warned the country could be heading for a “summer of chaos”.
She told GB News: “He’s just making announcements without properly thinking them through, and that’s one of the things that caused us problems as Conservatives. Andy Burnham doesn’t seem to have learned the right lessons.
“If you do what Keir Starmer did, or even what Nigel Farage is doing, and simply say things without working out how you’re actually going to deliver them, you’ll run into trouble. Even his premiership won’t last long unless he comes up with fully thought-through plans.”
Pressed by Katherine on the possibility of a general election, Mrs Badenoch made clear she is “not worried” if one is called.
She said: “I’m not worried at all. It’s very easy to be popular when all you’re doing is spending money the Government has handed you. Once you have to make difficult decisions, that popularity quickly fades.
“Every Prime Minister learns that the job is not a popularity contest. It’s nothing like being mayor — it’s about making tough choices for the public good.”
Mrs Badenoch added: “I’m very happy to fight a general election. It’s never just about the polls — it’s about the agenda you’re offering the country. So I’m not worried about a general election at all. Bring it on.”
Turning back to Mr Burnham’s devolution plan, Mrs Badenoch warned it is “not a silver bullet” for solving the country’s problems.
She said: “What worries me is that Andy Burnham doesn’t want to take tough decisions — he wants to be popular, so he’ll just tell the mayors to sort things out. Mayors can’t fund a Defence Investment Plan.
“He needs to get serious. Devolution is just a process; by itself, it doesn’t solve anything. It’s not a silver bullet. You need a real plan, and right now Andy Burnham doesn’t have one — it’s just vibes.”
Highlighting her concerns over defence, the Tory leader said she is “very worried” about whether Mr Burnham plans to increase defence spending.
She said: “The reason I say a general election should depend on a Defence Investment Plan being funded is because we need to focus on the challenges facing us right now. I’m very worried about defence.
“What’s Andy Burnham’s plan for defence? Where is the money coming from? He needs to come to Parliament and explain exactly what he intends to do, instead of staying in Manchester where he feels most comfortable and avoids difficult questions. He owes us at least that.”
Issuing a final warning to Mr Burnham, Mrs Badenoch said that while he is a “funny guy”, he “cannot fund the Defence Investment Plan with a tweet”.
She said: “I think he’s a funny guy, and I’m sure we’ll get on, but our politics are very different. So yes, Andy, I know you’re enjoying yourself right now, but things are about to get much tougher, and I’ll be waiting in Parliament for you.
“I have a lot of questions. Maybe the media don’t get to ask him those questions, but eventually I will.”
