Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has revealed his intent to lead the Labour Party into the next general election, issuing a strong warning against internal party conflicts.
In an interview with the media, Sir Keir emphasised that he remains utterly focused on the cost of living crisis, labeling time spent on leadership rows as a minute wasted.
He stressed that addressing the rising costs, which he sees as the “single most important issue” for Britons, is his government’s main objective, aiming to make people feel better off.
“Let me be really clear – every minute that’s not spent talking about and dealing with the cost of living is a minute wasted.”
Starmer’s remarks follow a turbulent week of speculation about his leadership, exacerbated by a recent YouGov poll that suggested almost half of surveyed Labour voters thought he should step down before the next election.
His statement comes ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s Budget on 26 November, which he promises will be infused with “Labour values.”
Expected measures include a freeze on prescription charges and an increase in free primary school breakfast clubs.
However, despite previous strong indications that she would raise income tax rates, government sources have now stated that Reeves has decided against this approach.
They insist that tough choices will still be necessary in the Budget, and deny that this decision is related to the questions surrounding the Prime Minister’s future.
The Office for Budget Responsibility will also release its assessment and forecast following the Chancellor’s speech.
Last week was marked by a flurry of competing briefings that suggested Starmer faced threats from named ministers, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Streeting has publicly denied any leadership ambitions, demanding the sacking of those responsible for the briefings, and affirming his support for Sir Keir.
The prime minister himself insisted last week that he “never authorised” attacks on his cabinet colleagues, calling such actions unacceptable.
His press secretary later confirmed that the briefings against Streeting originated outside of Number 10, but declined to confirm a leak inquiry.
Blame has also been leveled at the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, though sources maintain he was not involved.
