Andy Burnham Responds to Kemi Badenoch's 'Eyelashes and T-shirt' Remark

In a light-hearted response to remarks made during Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), Andy Burnham hit back at Kemi Badenoch after she dismissed him as "a pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt" while hitting out at Labour's leadership turmoil. Hours after the exchange in the House of Commons, Burnham posted a video on social media in which he appeared wearing a dark T-shirt and exaggeratedly batted his eyelashes at the camera. He also corrected Badenoch's description, quipping that the T-shirt was "dark blue, actually".

During a combative PMQs session dominated by the fallout from Keir Starmer's resignation announcement, Badenoch accused Labour MPs of abandoning their leader. "They have abandoned him and what for? A pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt," she said, in an apparent reference to Burnham, before questioning whether Labour's problems ran deeper than its leadership. The Conservative leader also launched a series of attacks on senior Labour figures, including Rachel Reeves, suggesting ministers had already shifted their attention to a future leadership contest.

Burnham chose humour over a direct rebuttal. In the video posted shortly after PMQs, the Makerfield MP appeared to mock the criticism by leaning into the description, fluttering his eyelashes while wearing a dark-coloured T-shirt. His response quickly drew attention online, with supporters praising the light-hearted approach and critics accusing Badenoch of resorting to personal attacks rather than addressing policy issues.

The exchange came following Starmer's decision to step down. Labour MPs had greeted the outgoing prime minister with cheers as he entered the Commons, but the session was overshadowed by questions over the party's future leadership. Badenoch repeatedly sought to portray Labour as divided, while Starmer defended his government's record and his partnership with Reeves. He argued that Labour had rebuilt itself after years in opposition and delivered a landslide election victory.