Badenoch softens tone in first speech as Opposition leader

Kemi Badenoch opened her first speech as Opposition leader on 23 July 2026 by conceding that new Prime Minister Andy Burnham "seems like a nice guy" — dropping her earlier jibes calling him a "people pleaser" with "airy fairy" policies. A senior Conservative said Badenoch had to adapt because Burnham is "much more likable" than Keir Starmer.