By Nigerians Mock Kemi Badenoch Over Incompetence as Conservatives call for Removal
Kemi Badenoch is facing heated criticism over her performance as the UK’s opposition leader, with some Conservative MPs and political observers questioning her effectiveness in holding Prime Minister Keir Starmer to account.
Badenoch, who has been in the role for less than four months, is under pressure to refine her strategy for Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) after a series of underwhelming performances.
Critics argue that she is failing to land decisive political blows on Starmer, often focusing on unrelevant topics instead of addressing pressing national issues such as the economy.
One former cabinet minister noted that Badenoch “keeps picking the wrong subjects” and missing opportunities to challenge Starmer on economic policies that could resonate with voters.
Another MP stressed the need for more experienced advisers to help her sharpen her attacks, warning that effective PMQs performances require “wise heads who know what they’re doing.”
This week, Badenoch’s decision to challenge Starmer over a Palestinian family’s attempt to use a Ukrainian resettlement scheme to enter the UK, as well as the appointment of a UK borders inspector living in Finland, backfired. Starmer easily deflected her criticisms, pointing out that the inspector had been appointed under the previous government and that the Gaza case was already under review.
While some of her allies insist that Badenoch is doing her job as an opposition leader by exposing Starmer’s missteps, discontent is brewing within the Conservative ranks.
Many MPs fear that if the party suffers heavy losses in the upcoming local elections, Badenoch’s leadership will be further scrutinized.
Some even speculate that shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, whom she narrowly defeated for the leadership, may be positioning himself for a future challenge.
Despite this, some Conservatives warn that replacing yet another leader would make the party look ridiculous. “We’ve got the leader we’ve got,” one MP said. “Changing her after the local elections would be absurd.”
As Badenoch struggles to find her footing, Nigerians on social media have joined in the mockery, highlighting her perceived incompetence and questioning her ability to lead an effective opposition. Many have drawn comparisons to previous Tory leaders, expressing doubts about her long-term prospects.
With four years until the next general election, Badenoch has time to improve her performance, but for now, the criticism is mounting, both within her party and beyond.
