Sir Keir Starmer has asserted that his government’s efforts to curb costs, reduce net migration, and stimulate economic growth demonstrate “our plan is working,” even as his leadership faces mounting pressure.
The Prime Minister’s position as Labour leader appears increasingly precarious, with Andy Burnham seeking a return to Parliament via the Makerfield by-election and former health secretary Wes Streeting outlining a distinct policy platform.
Despite the internal challenges, Sir Keir highlighted measures aimed at alleviating the cost-of-living crisis for families, vowing that his administration would “keep pushing forward.” He pointed to 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 stated. “Our plan is working. And as summer begins, we are going further to bring down the cost of living and make life easier for families, so they have more room to enjoy it. This Government will keep pushing 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 expanded by a higher-than-anticipated 0.6 per cent in the first quarter of the year, from January to March. Furthermore, recent data indicated that UK net migration fell to an estimated 171,000 last year, marking the lowest level since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
NHS England figures for March showed the waiting list for treatments stood at 7.11 million, a reduction of 110,073 from February.
However, these assertions of success come amidst significant dissent within Labour ranks. Scores of MPs have called for the Prime Minister to resign following a substantial electoral setback earlier this month across English councils, Wales, and Scotland.
Both Mr Burnham and Mr Streeting have criticised the government’s perceived failure to deliver the transformative change voters expected after Labour’s 2024 landslide victory.
Andy Burnham, launching his Makerfield campaign, declared that “a vote for me in this by-election is a vote to change Labour.” He pledged to give voters “the party back they used to know,” acknowledging that Labour “need to be better than we have been.”
The Makerfield constituency, which Labour won with a 5,399 majority in 2024, saw Reform UK secure every ward in the recent local elections.
Meanwhile, Wes Streeting has put forward an alternative vision, including a wealth tax to fund the revival of the New Labour-era Sure Start programme. He proposes increasing the current £1 billion allocated to the government’s Best Start initiative by an additional £1.7 billion.
“The biggest thing that I think is broken in this country at the moment is that, for the first time in modern history, the prospects for the next generation are worse than the last,” Mr Streeting argued. “Restoring Sure Start would prove that this Labour Government is absolutely committed to building a better future for the next generation.”
His proposals also include planning reforms designed to fund council homes and prevent children from growing up in temporary accommodation, by allowing councils to benefit from the uplift in land value from development.
He warned that councils failing to deliver could face having their decision-making powers revoked. “I took on failing NHS trusts. I will take on failing councils. Every child deserves a home to call their own and a fair chance to make the most of it,” Mr Streeting asserted.
The Prime Minister has maintained he will not resign from No 10, even if Mr Burnham wins the June 18 by-election and potentially triggers a leadership contest.
