Politics · United Kingdom · 2 hrs ago
Rightwing press backs Badenoch as it targets Prime Minister Burnham
Kemi Badenoch’s proposed £10bn missile shield drew strong praise from several rightwing British newspapers last week.
The Conservatives have not costed the plan, which would use an anti-missile system to protect Britain.
The column argues that the coverage signals renewed support for the Conservatives after some rightwing newspapers backed Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party.
It presents Badenoch as the press’s leading hope of defeating Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Burnham has been difficult for his opponents to define, and his advisers say his close team has had few leaks or internal conflicts.
The economy is emerging as the main battleground, rather than cultural issues, the column says.
His opponents are expected to focus on controversies around the 28 October budget.
Rightwing newspapers have strongly backed Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s proposal for a £10bn anti-missile system, the Guardian reports.
The article says the coverage signals that much of the rightwing press is again supporting the Conservatives after years of attention to Nigel Farage and Reform UK.
It argues that Badenoch has become the press’s leading political hope of defeating Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The papers’ efforts to define Burnham have so far produced conflicting portrayals, including as both leftwing and politically ineffective.
The article says Burnham’s opponents are preparing to scrutinise his government ahead of the budget on 28 October.
- Who
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Prime Minister Andy Burnham are central to the story.
- What
- Rightwing newspapers have praised Badenoch’s proposed £10bn anti-missile system and positioned her as a political challenger to Burnham.
- When
- The article was published on 13 October 2026; the proposal was promoted “last week”.
- Where
- Britain.
- Why
- The article says the rightwing press is seeking a political champion to oppose Burnham and the Labour government.
Rightwing press and Badenoch
Burnham and the Labour government
Political leadership
Rightwing press and Badenoch
The press has enthusiastically praised Badenoch’s anti-missile proposal and, the article argues, made her its leading political hope against Burnham.
Burnham and the Labour government
Burnham is the prime minister and the target of the press’s political offensive.
Portrayal
Rightwing press and Badenoch
Some coverage has cast Burnham as very leftwing; the article says the press is trying to define him.
Burnham and the Labour government
Labour advisers say Burnham’s inner circle has been relatively free of leaks and conflict, leaving fewer vulnerabilities to exploit.
Burnham contested the Makerfield byelection.
The Conservatives’ proposed £10bn anti-missile system was strongly praised by rightwing newspapers.
Burnham gave his first conference speech as prime minister.
The budget is due, with the article saying Burnham’s opponents are preparing for its controversies.
- Proposal
- £10bn anti-missile system
- Conservative leader
- Kemi Badenoch
- Prime minister
- Andy Burnham
- Byelection
- Makerfield, June 2026
- Budget date
- 28 October
What people are saying
Iron Dome Lady
protect the nation’s skies
Don’t Leave Britain Defenceless
They can’t decide if [Burnham] is a useless Paddington Bear or red in tooth and claw
Sources
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