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Keir Starmer defends record after bruising time in No 10

By Stephen Price
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during a visit to the Beatrice wind farm off the Caithness coast. Credit: Paul Campbell/PA Wire

Sir Keir Starmer has said he would be “judged at the next election” after his popularity and Labour’s poll ratings have plummeted since taking office.

The Prime Minister defended his actions in office and the time he has spent out of the country, insisting that his Government would make people “feel better off”.

He told LBC Radio he would do “tough stuff” on planning and regulation to boost economic growth.

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Unpopularity

Asked about his personal unpopularity, Sir Keir said: “What worries me is, and what gets me out of bed every day, is how we deliver for those people who voted us in in July to change the country for the better.“How can we make them better off? How can I get those waiting lists down? How can we make sure that every young person has the chance to go as far as their talent will take them?

“So they’re the things that keep me awake. They’re the things I get up for in the morning.

“And look, I will be judged at the next general election, on whether I’ve delivered. I’m very clear about that.”

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Analysis

The PA news agency’s analysis of opinion polls in the week ending December 15 put Labour on 26 points, just one point ahead of the Conservatives and four clear of Reform UK.With the economy flatlining and inflation increasing, Sir Keir acknowledged “we need to go further” to achieve growth.

“We’ve stabilised the economy with the Budget, but that’s not the limits of my ambition.

“I know we’ve got to do the tough stuff on planning, and we’re going to do the stuff, tough stuff on regulation. There’s more that we need to do.”

He said the benefits of growth had to be “felt in the pockets of working people” rather than just being “a line on a chart”.

“I want people at the next election to say I feel better off, I know the health service is working properly now, and I can see a future for myself and my kids,” he said.

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Trips

Sir Keir visited Norway and Estonia this week, the latest in a series of overseas trips he has made since entering No 10.The Prime Minister defended his travel: “What I’ve been able to do is to make the case for Britain and the investment that’s coming into our country – £63 billion came in in our investment summit because we’re out there making the case for our country.

“And therefore, there’s a direct link between the work that we’re doing internationally and the impact back at home, and it’s very important that that is done.”

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8 comments

Mab Meirion

When do the judged get to pick the day of judgement, we and the rest of the world may have made our minds up long before then. Four years of Trumptonian chaos should put the cat well and truly among the pigeons...

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Jeff

Not sure labour were ever ready for an incredibly hostile right wing press and social media. They have not done themselves any favours with absolutely terrible messaging either. I don't know who is on their comms team but they seem incredibly disjointed. Lock that down, stare down the press, and get on with it.

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HarrisR

Harold Wilson famously said back in the day, "The Labour party is a Crusade or it is nothing". Sir Keir Starmer (2024) proudly says, "The Labour party is a Charade and that is everything. It's a pantomime dressing up box, a new costume and rubber face mask for every performance. Today's principled stance is tomorrow's total amnesia. A few years ago I was Jeremy Corbyn In a suit, then casting aside that skin, I became "Mr Integrity", then Mr Shape Shifter, and now a Hologram! Tomorrow? Ask my funders!"

Reply
Mab Meirion

This guy never works from home/office...

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Howie

His accomplishment this week was collecting 2 more fridge magnets.

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Steve Woods

Starmer's record to date is a waste of vinyl.

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A.Redman

"We stabilised the economy with our budget"?? Inhaled too many fumes jetting around the world! Does he not know that waiting lists in Welsh run Wales is the highest in the UK. If he spent more time in the UK he would learn a thing or two! But......

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Valerie

This man stabbed Corbyn in the back after Jeremy gave him a prime position, he lied repeatedly throughout his Campaign, Broke every promise he made within first few months, continues to lie, and spends most of his time in a plane going to God knows where giving our money away! WHY is he still in Office? Any other job and he would have been removed after the first two months of his cheating us all. Pensioners? he really must hate them! Is one of his current 'pledges' to kill as many as he can off in the shortest time possible!

Reply

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Replying to Mab Meirion Cancel

When do the judged get to pick the day of judgement, we and the rest of the world may have made our minds up long before then. Four years of Trumptonian chaos should put the cat well and truly among the pigeons...

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