Politics

Kemi Badenoch Hits Out as Farage Surges and Corbyn Plots a Comeback

Published on July 28, 2025

Kemi Badenoch hasn’t held back when it comes to Nigel Farage, launching a brutal swipe during an interview on GB News by comparing him to Jeremy Corbyn with a pint in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

The Tory leader’s comments come at a tense moment, with Reform UK gaining serious traction in the polls and Farage unveiling bold new policies, including a headline-grabbing “Crime and Punishment” plan that’s been lapped up by right-leaning voters.

Speaking to Camilla Tominey, Badenoch warned against what she sees as empty promises dressed up as quick fixes. “If you promise things and then fail to deliver, the public will punish you. That’s what’s happening now,” she said. “We’re seeing a rise in populist movements such as parties like Reform, and whatever Corbyn is doing. They’re telling people everything they want to hear.”

When Camilla pointed out that it seems to be working, Badenoch didn’t flinch. “It might be for now, but there’s no general election tomorrow, it’s still four years away.”

Camilla pushed further, suggesting that Corbyn splitting the left would normally be a gift for the Tories. “Think back five years, if Corbyn had splintered off then, you’d have been rubbing your hands with glee… but this time, your poll ratings haven’t moved. The only person really benefiting, again, is Nigel Farage.”

“Exactly,” Badenoch fired back. “He’s just Corbyn with a pint and a cigarette. It’s the same policies: nationalisation, more welfare, politicians running businesses. It’s fantasy economics especially when we’re already borrowing so heavily.”

She went on to explain how her approach differs, citing a proposal she made months ago. “I said, ‘We need a three-strikes-and-you’re-out policy.’ My team came back and said, ‘Okay, but to do that, we’ll need prison reform, sentencing changes, infrastructure — the whole lot.’ And I said, ‘Exactly. Let’s figure all of that out before we make an announcement.’ Otherwise, we’re just lying to people.”

For Badenoch, the problem is the ease with which others throw out big, headline-grabbing pledges without backing them up with a real plan. “We can’t just throw out slogans — 30,000 more officers, 30,000 more prison places. It all sounds great, but how are you going to do it?” she said.

“Anyone can stand up and say, ‘We’re going to recruit 100,000 more police officers,’ or ‘We’ll make sure not a single migrant reaches our shores the Royal Navy will turn them around immediately.’ But without a plan? It’s not real. That’s what Corbyn does. That’s what Farage does.”

Camilla asked the obvious follow-up: “So you’re saying you won’t make promises you can’t deliver?”

“Exactly,” Badenoch replied. “I’m going to be honest with people. We’ll only announce things once we’ve fully planned them and know how to deliver.”

All of this comes just as Jeremy Corbyn confirms he’s launching a new political movement, revealing that more than 300,000 people have already expressed interest. He even floated the name “Your Party” during a weekend chat with Novara Media. With the political landscape shifting fast, Badenoch’s blunt words make it clear she’s not letting either side go unchallenged.

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