Starmer vows to remain Labour leader during cost-of-living pitch to voters

Sir Keir Starmer is trying to win back disillusioned voters and overcome challenges to his leadership with promises to improve their financial well-being and ease the life crisis.

Speaking at the weekend, the prime minister acknowledged public “disappointment” with the pace of progress but insisted his policies would start delivering “positive change” to people in 2026.

Sir Keir also insisted Labor would still be in 10th place by 2027, despite growing discontent among its supporters and suggestions that heavy losses in the May election would lead to a race to replace it.

But he told the BBC Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg He said the votes in Scotland, England and Wales would not be a “referendum” on the Westminster administration.

It comes after a difficult year for his administration, marked by slow economic growth, internal leadership murmurs and disappointing poll results ahead of local elections in May.

Sir Keir, who made his first public visit of the year on Monday, insisted England would turn the corner in 2026.

Speaking at a community center in Berkshire, the prime minister referred to the US operation in Venezuela over the weekend but acknowledged people had other daily priorities.

He said: “It’s really nice to be able to come here and talk to you. I’m acutely aware that there’s a lot going on in the world right now, especially that you’re going to see some things this weekend.”

“But I remind myself that what’s more important than anything else for you and millions of people in this country is actually being able to pay the bills, making ends meet at the end of the month, and eliminating all of those things that give people so much anxiety when they feel like they can’t pay the bills.”

Sir Keir concluded: “2026 is the year we turn a corner where when we say we want a national renewal of the country and we do it, it becomes reality and people start to feel the difference in their pocketbooks, in their ability to pay the bill.

“That’s why we’re saying we’re turning a corner towards 2026.”

The statement came after the Prime Minister insisted on Sunday that frequent leadership changes were “not in the national interest” and that the “constant chopping and changing” under the previous Tory government was “utter chaos”.

The Prime Minister also appeared to acknowledge criticism of his premiership but said he would “rise above” the comments and focus on making a “material difference” to people’s lives.

“We will fight for every vote and we will not take anything for granted,” he said.

Asked if he appreciated the political trouble he was in after a series of policy U-turns and strategy changes, he said: “Almost every week someone writes that this week has been the worst week in politics.

“You can’t have the worst 52 weeks in politics.”

In a series of visits this week, Sir Keir will highlight policies such as freezing rail fares and cuts to energy bills, which he says will help reduce the financial burden on households.

Nearly 3 million train tickets will be discounted for a week from Tuesday as part of the annual government plan.

Before meeting residents on Monday, Sir Keir said: “This is also good news for Berkshire’s high streets and local businesses, with affordable public transport attracting customers and helping families spend time together.

“Growing up our family couldn’t always make ends meet. I know every pound counts and this year I will go further to tackle the cost of living and reduce costs for families.”

As MPs return to Westminster this week after the Christmas break, Sir Keir will tell the first Cabinet meeting of the year on Tuesday: “I know families up and down the country are still worried about the cost of living.

“We will not give up our fight to make life better for them,” he said.

But Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she “expects gratitude” when Sir Keir “makes decisions that make the cost of living worse”.

He said working people were paying “higher taxes” after the government extended a freeze on income tax thresholds, which, along with previous extensions, meant millions were dragged into paying higher rates.

Ministers say the Budget changes, which include increasing total taxes by £26bn, are “fair and necessary” to help reduce living costs and improve public services.

“Labour has no plan to fix Britain and working families are paying the price,” Ms Badenoch said.