Badenoch faults Starmer’s policies on tax, defence and welfare as Labour begins search for new UK leader

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has sharply criticised outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer following his announcement to step down as Labour leader, blaming his administration’s policies for the country’s current challenges. The development was made public in London on Monday, with Badenoch insisting that Starmer’s leadership failed to deliver on key national priorities.

Starmer, who served as Labour leader and Prime Minister for less than two years, announced his intention to resign but stated he would remain in office until a new party leader is chosen. His decision comes after months of mounting political pressure, policy reversals and growing public dissatisfaction with his government’s performance.

Reacting via a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Badenoch accused Starmer’s government of raising taxes, stalling welfare reforms and neglecting defence funding. She stated: “Hiking national insurance. The Family Farm Tax. Giving up on real welfare reform. Not funding our defence. Not drilling our own oil and gas. Appointing Peter Mandelson… then lying about what had happened. Britain is not ungovernable. Keir Starmer is a terrible Prime Minister.”

Badenoch further alleged that the problems facing the United Kingdom were tied not just to Starmer as an individual but also to the wider Labour Party ideology. She claimed Labour MPs prefer higher taxes to distribute more benefits, describing it as a matter of “Labour’s choices and their values.” In another post, she challenged Andy Burnham—seen as a key figure in the ongoing leadership contest—on issues of national security and called for a general election if he cannot provide answers on defence spending.

The Conservative chieftain used the occasion to make a case for her party’s return to power, declaring: “We need to get Britain working again. We need the Conservatives.” Meanwhile, Labour has commenced its internal process to elect a new leader who will succeed Starmer as both party head and prime minister.

Starmer defended his record in a statement outside Number 10 Downing Street, saying he acted in Britain’s best interests during his time in office and would remain until Labour completes its leadership selection process. The next weeks are expected to see intensified political activities within the Labour Party as stakeholders position themselves ahead of the leadership vote.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/kemi-badenoch-attacks-starmer-after-resignation-calls-him-a-terrible-prime-minister-2026062216575770380

Anti-graft agency says suspects defrauded at least 24 people; victims allege fake documents and unfulfilled visa promises

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Chief Executive Officer of Goodben Global Travels and Tour Limited, Chukwujindu Goodness Nchekwube, alongside an alleged accomplice, Rogers Oluwaseyi Eruku, in Enugu over an alleged ₦68 million visa scam. The arrests were made by operatives from the commission’s Enugu zonal office on Saturday following multiple petitions from aggrieved victims.

According to EFCC spokespersons, the suspects reportedly collected a total of ₦68.02 million from at least 24 individuals under the pretext of securing them work visas for several overseas destinations. One petitioner, identified as James Ikechukwu, told investigators that he engaged the services of Nchekwube’s company between September 2024 and December 2025 to process travel documents for 20 clients. He claimed that a sum of ₦57.62 million was paid into the company’s accounts with assurances that visas would be delivered within an agreed period.

However, according to Ikechukwu’s account to investigators, the promised visas were never provided. He further alleged that some documents issued to his clients later turned out to be forged or invalid. This led several affected persons to file official complaints with the EFCC in Enugu, prompting a formal investigation into Goodben Global Travels and Tour Limited’s activities.

The EFCC stated that both suspects are currently in custody and would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The commission reiterated its warning to members of the public to exercise due diligence when engaging travel agents and consult only licensed professionals recognised by government regulatory agencies.

As at press time, efforts to reach representatives of Goodben Global Travels and Tour Limited for comment were unsuccessful. The EFCC advised other victims who may have been defrauded by similar schemes in Enugu or elsewhere to come forward with information.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/efcc-arrests-travel-firm-ceo-suspect-over-alleged-n68m-visa-scam/

Starmer’s exit comes after mounting pressure within Labour Party; leadership contest expected in coming weeks

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, has tendered his resignation from office in London on Monday, June 22, following sustained internal party pressure and political turbulence. Starmer’s decision marks a major turning point for the Labour Party, which now faces a swift leadership transition at a critical moment for British politics.

Details of how the resignation unfolded remain closely guarded within Labour circles, but sources confirm that Starmer stepped down after senior party members reportedly lost confidence in his ability to unite the party and deliver on key campaign promises. The development has triggered immediate calls for a new leader to emerge ahead of upcoming policy debates and international engagements.

For Nigerians and other observers, Starmer’s resignation is significant as the UK remains an important diplomatic and economic partner. Any change at the top could affect bilateral relations, including trade agreements and immigration policies that impact Nigerian students and professionals living in the UK. The uncertainty also raises questions about the future direction of UK foreign policy towards Africa.

No official statement has been released by Starmer as at press time. However, Labour Party insiders indicate that an interim leader may be appointed while preparations begin for a formal leadership contest. The opposition Conservative Party has called for stability and urged Labour to clarify its plans for succession to avoid disruption in government operations.

Political analysts suggest that whoever emerges as the next Labour leader will face immediate challenges ranging from managing party divisions to restoring public trust in government. The situation is being closely monitored by foreign governments, including Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as stakeholders assess possible implications for Nigerians residing in the UK.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/889738-uk-prime-minister-keir-starmer-resigns.html