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Kemi Badenoch has called out the prime minister for saying Reform UK’s policies will harm the economy, saying it “is the pot calling the kettle black”.

As we’ve heard, Sir Keir Starmer has used a speech today to warn that proposals set out by Nigel Farage earlier this week would “crash the economy” in the same way that Liz Truss’ 2022 mini-budget spooked financial markets and led to economic turmoil.

The PM also warned Farage’s “fantasy” policies would see billions of pounds of tax cuts “without a proper way of paying for it”.

He was questioned by our political correspondent Amanda Akass:

‘Only the Tories are serious about sound money’

But it is Badenoch who is now making a concerted effort to restore the Tories’ image as a party which can successfully run the economy. She will certainly not have appreciated Starmer bringing up Truss again.

Responding to his speech, the embattled Tory leader said: “Businesses are closing, unemployment and inflation are rising, yet Starmer wants to increase the benefits bill… and Farage agrees!”

That’s a reference to Reform UK’s plans to scrap the two-child benefit cap, something ministers have avoided ruling out as well. By contrast, Badenoch has insisted it should remain in place. 

Concluding, Badenoch added a statement that Starmer and Farage would no doubt say is objectionable.

Badenoch said: “Only the Conservatives are serious about sound money.”