In a series of fiery remarks during a recent interview on GB News, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch vowed to “look into further allegations” involving Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The controversy centers on reports that Starmer met with a voice coach during the coronavirus lockdowns—a move that has ignited debate over the principles and priorities observed during the pandemic.
Badenoch, known for her forthright style, did not mince her words when discussing the matter. Speaking exclusively to GB News, she asserted her commitment to probing the issue, saying: “I’m going to look into it more. I always remember during Covid that we broke some of our principles in terms of trusting people, personal responsibility, freedom. I always felt that the rules had gone too far.”
Her comments alluded to a broader concern about how governmental measures during the pandemic may have compromised long-held values, particularly in terms of personal accountability and civil liberties.
The former Minister continued by reflecting on her recent participation in the Covid inquiry. She detailed her disapproval of several policies adopted during the crisis, notably the implementation of vaccine passports. Badenoch elaborated further:
“I was at the Covid inquiry last week. I talked about how I did not want vaccine passports. It was in all the records, so this is just yet another consequence. What is interesting is just how hypocritical Keir Starmer has been. I don’t know anyone who needs emergency voice coaching on Christmas Eve. I just think that is quite a dodgy story.”
These remarks suggest that Badenoch views the alleged actions of Starmer as emblematic of a wider pattern of hypocrisy, especially when compared to the strict rules imposed on the public during the height of the pandemic.
In response to the mounting allegations, Prime Minister Starmer sought to defend his actions during Prime Minister’s Questions. Addressing the matter head-on, he provided a detailed account of his activities during a critical moment last December. Starmer stated: *”In December 2020, I was in my office working on the expected Brexit deal.
“With my team we had to analyze the deal as it came in at speed, prepare and deliver a live statement at speed on one of the most important issues for our country in recent years.
“That’s what I was doing. What were they doing? Suitcases of food into Downing Street, partying and fighting, vomiting up the walls, leaving the cleaner to remove red wine stains. “That’s the difference – I was working, they were partying.”*
Starmer’s pointed defense contrasts his dedication to duty with the behavior he alleges was displayed by others in Downing Street at the time. His account paints a picture of a leader who was fully immersed in managing one of the nation’s most pressing political challenges, implying that his focus on the Brexit deal left little room for any frivolous activities.
As the debate continues, both leaders remain entrenched in their respective positions. Badenoch’s commitment to investigating the allegations and highlighting what she sees as inconsistencies in Starmer’s actions reflects ongoing tensions within the party and across the political spectrum. With the controversy still unfolding, further scrutiny is expected in the coming weeks as more details emerge about the circumstances surrounding Starmer’s meeting with the voice coach.
