Keir Starmer defiant as Labour leadership challenge mounts from rivals: ‘Our plan is working’
Sir Keir Starmer has claimed his government’s efforts to cut costs, reduce net migration and stimulate economic growth show “our plan is working”, even as his leadership faces mounting pressure.
The Prime Minister’s position as Labor leader looks increasingly precarious, with Andy Burnham seeking a return to Parliament via the Makerfield byelection and former health secretary Wes Streeting outlining a different policy platform.
Despite domestic challenges, Sir Keir highlighted measures aimed at easing the cost-of-living crisis for families and vowed that his administration would “keep pushing forward”. He cited recent economic indicators as evidence of progress.
“We now have the fastest growing economy in the G7, net migration has fallen and NHS waiting lists are at their lowest level in three and a half years,” he said. “Our plan is working. As summer gets underway, we’re going further to lower the cost of living and make life easier for families so there’s more room for them to enjoy it. This Government will continue to push forward to deliver the change the country voted for.”
Official figures support some of these claims. The Office for National Statistics reported that the economy grew by 0.6 percent in the first quarter of the year (January to March), more than expected. Latest data also showed that net migration in the UK fell to an estimated 171,000 last year, marking the lowest level since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
NHS England figures for March showed the waiting list for treatment was 7.11 million, down 110,073 on February.
But these claims of success come amidst significant opposition within Labor ranks. Scores of MPs have called on the Prime Minister to resign following serious election setbacks in English councils, Wales and Scotland earlier this month.
Both Mr Burnham and Mr Streeting have criticized the government’s perceived failure to deliver the transformative change voters expect after Labour’s landslide victory in 2024.
Andy Burnham, who launched the Makerfield campaign, said: “A vote for me in this by-election is a vote to change the Labor Party.” He promised to give voters “the party they used to know” and acknowledged Labor “has to be better than us”.
The Makerfield constituency, which Labor won with a majority of 5,399 in 2024, saw Reform UK secure all wards in the last local elections.
Meanwhile, Wes Streeting has put forward an alternative vision for a revival of the New Labour-era Sure Start programme, which includes a wealth tax. It proposes increasing the current £1 billion allocated to the Government’s Best Start initiative by a further £1.7 billion.
Mr Streeting said: “The big thing that I think is broken in this country at the moment is that, for the first time in modern history, the prospects of the next generation are worse than the last.” he said. “Reinstating Sure Start will prove that the Labor Government is absolutely committed to building a better future for the next generation.”
Its proposals include funding council homes by allowing councils to benefit from the increase in land value resulting from development, and planning reforms designed to prevent children growing up in temporary accommodation.
He warned that councils that failed to fulfill their duties could face having their decision-making powers revoked. Mr Streeting said: “I have taken on the failure of the NHS. I will take on the failure of councils. Every child deserves a home of their own and a fair chance to make the most of it.”
The Prime Minister has argued he will not resign from No 10 even if Mr Burnham wins the June 18 by-election, potentially triggering a leadership race.
