Dec 05, (V7N) - Prime Minister Keir Starmer will unveil a "plan for change" on Thursday as he seeks to relaunch his government following a rocky first five months in power. In his speech, Starmer will outline ambitious milestones that voters can use to assess his administration, aiming to move past several controversial decisions that have dominated his early tenure. Starmer's speech, set to take place near London, will emphasize that a mission-led government is about relentlessly driving real improvements in the lives of working people, even if it means tackling difficult challenges.

Since becoming Prime Minister in July, Starmer's first months were marred by a series of unpopular decisions, such as scrapping winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners, maintaining child benefit restrictions, and accepting gifts from a wealthy donor. His government was also shaken by the departure of his chief of staff, Sue Gray, following media scrutiny over her role and reports of factional infighting within Number 10.

The government's October 30 budget, presented by Starmer's finance minister, failed to shift the narrative, with focus falling on farmers and business owners who were unhappy with increases in inheritance tax and employer payroll contributions. Critics argue that the business tax rise, combined with a higher national minimum wage and plans for higher state borrowing, could hinder the Labour government’s goal of stimulating the economy.

In response to these challenges, Starmer is set to acknowledge that the government may face opposition and obstacles along the way. He will emphasize that the Labour government was elected on a mandate of change, with a plan that reflects the priorities of working people. His speech comes amid plunging approval ratings for the government, as well as the resignation of his first minister, Louise Haigh, who stepped down after it was revealed that she had pleaded guilty to a criminal offence before entering politics.

Starmer's spokespeople insist that the speech is part of the next phase of the government's "decade of national renewal", with the first phase focusing on fixing the country’s foundations. Labour blames the previous Conservative administration for leaving behind a £22 billion black hole in the public finances, a prison system in crisis, and an overburdened NHS.

The government has already announced several policies, including the launch of a publicly owned clean energy company, the lifting of a ban on new onshore wind farms, strengthening workers' rights, and moving to cut planning regulations to help build 1.5 million new homes. Starmer has also focused on international diplomacy, visiting over a dozen countries to repair relations damaged by Brexit.

However, the speech is being seen as a “reset”, with reports suggesting that Starmer may revise some of his campaign pledges, including dropping the promise to make the UK the fastest-growing economy in the G7. Instead, he will focus on improving living standards and set targets for NHS waiting lists. He will also announce plans to put 13,000 extra police on the streets to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Starmer’s message will aim to connect with voters through tangible commitments they can judge the government by, according to Patrick Diamond, a former Labour policy adviser. Diamond cautioned that milestones can quickly become millstones, as seen with Rishi Sunak, whose government was hindered by unmet pledges. Starmer is expected to position the government’s plan for change as the "most ambitious yet honest programme for government in a generation".

END/WD/RH/