Kemi Badenoch is doing all right at PMQs. The Tory leader is effective in the build-up but her finishing is weak. The point of the inquisition is make the interviewee tremble with fear. Here’s how she ended each of today’s question to Sir Keir Starmer:
‘What’s his advice to business owners laying off staff?’
‘Why should voters trust Labour again?’
‘Does he regret promising a council tax freeze?’
‘Will he break his fiscal rules or raise taxes?’
‘Does he disagree with the Bank of England?’
‘Is the motor industry being protected?’
Hardly killer points. Sir Keir swatted them aside without effort. The Prime Minister counter-attacked with a booby-trap that Kemi had set for herself. By not pledging to reverse Labour’s National Insurance tax hikes, she risked the charge of hypocrisy.
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