New Times,
New Thinking.

  1. Politics
  2. UK Politics
11 December 2024

PMQs review: Badenoch falls into Reform’s trap

The Tory leader’s attacks on Labour’s immigration plan did more for Nigel Farage than the Conservative Party.

By Rachel Cunliffe

The surprise winner of PMQs this week was… Nigel Farage. And that’s without a single Reform MP even getting up to ask a question.

Last week, Kemi Badenoch tried to skewer Keir Starmer over the former transport secretary Louise Haigh’s past conviction for a fraud offence and pessimism over Labour economic plans. The Prime Minister derailed her attacks by slamming the last Conservative government’s record on immigration – unusual stomping ground for Labour, but damaging to the Tories in light of the eye-watering net migration figures released at the end of last month.

Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month
Content from our partners
More than a landlord: A future of opportunity
Towards an NHS fit for the future
How drones can revolutionise UK public services