The United Kingdom may face a “summer of chaos” as Labour leadership candidate Andy Burnham reportedly deliberates over his potential cabinet and policy direction, according to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. Speaking in London, Badenoch expressed concerns about the economic uncertainty gripping the country while businesses await clarity on Burnham’s plans should he become prime minister.

Badenoch specifically urged Burnham to remove Ed Miliband from consideration as chancellor, citing widespread apprehension among business leaders about Miliband’s influence on energy and economic policy. She likened Miliband’s approach to energy to the tactics of military dictators she experienced during her childhood in Nigeria. “Everyone is terrified about what will happen if Ed Miliband becomes the chancellor,” she said, emphasizing that anxiety spans multiple economic sectors.

The Conservative leader highlighted several areas contributing to uncertainty, including confusion over capital gains tax and the car industry’s hesitation amid unclear timelines for phasing out petrol vehicles. Badenoch advocated for increased domestic oil and gas drilling, particularly in the North Sea, to address energy concerns. “It is time to get Britain drilling again,” she asserted.

Badenoch also warned that the country’s financial situation was precarious, cautioning against further borrowing. She stated that any indication of Burnham’s intent to increase borrowing would raise costs across the economy, including higher mortgage rates and taxes, ultimately burdening future generations. She argued that fiscal responsibility required cutting government spending and containing the welfare budget.

Burnham’s pledge to promote greater devolution to stimulate regional prosperity drew criticism from Badenoch, who described such plans as adding bureaucratic layers that could dilute parliamentary power without delivering economic growth. “More power taken away from Parliament, but more and more government created all over the country,” she remarked.

In defending her stark characterization of Miliband, Badenoch dismissed calls for “language policing,” insisting that strong rhetoric was warranted given the perceived damage attributed to his policies. “He is the villain of the story of what’s happening with energy,” she said, urging focus on policy outcomes rather than sensitivities around criticism.

The comments underscore the increasing political tensions as the next prime ministerial contest approaches, with economic strategy and leadership appointments at the heart of ongoing debate.