Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to outline a comprehensive “plan for change” on Thursday, marking a critical moment in his young administration as he seeks to refocus his government after a challenging five months in power.
In a speech near London scheduled for 11 am GMT, Starmer will present six “ambitious milestones” to define his government’s performance and address key national challenges. The Labour leader, who assumed office in July, aims to pivot from recent controversies and deliver what he calls a mandate for transformative governance.
Tough Decisions Amid Early Setbacks
Starmer’s early tenure has been mired in controversy, including backlash over scrapping winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners, maintaining a child benefit cap, and facing scrutiny for accepting donations from a wealthy benefactor. Additionally, his administration has weathered internal turbulence, including the high-profile resignation of Chief of Staff Sue Gray and factional disputes within Number 10.
The government’s October 30 budget, delivered by the finance minister, sparked criticism for raising inheritance tax and employer payroll contributions, moves that have alienated segments of the Labour base and business community.
Addressing these challenges, Starmer will emphasize his commitment to “relentlessly driving real improvements in the lives of working people.” According to excerpts released ahead of the speech, he will acknowledge potential opposition and obstacles but affirm his administration’s determination to “deliver on a mandate of change.”
Resetting Priorities
The speech is widely viewed as a strategic “reset,” with reports suggesting Starmer may revise some campaign pledges, including dropping the goal of making Britain the fastest-growing economy in the G7. Instead, the Labour leader is expected to announce new targets, such as reducing NHS waiting lists, deploying 13,000 additional police officers to tackle anti-social behavior, and increasing household disposable incomes.
Starmer will also prioritize improving early childhood education and accelerating housing development, with plans to build 1.5 million new homes through streamlined planning regulations.
Restoring Trust
Starmer’s government has sought to differentiate itself from its Conservative predecessors, whom it accuses of leaving a “£22 billion black hole” in public finances, a strained prison system, and an overburdened National Health Service (NHS).
Key initiatives under Starmer’s leadership include launching a publicly owned clean energy company, lifting restrictions on new onshore wind farms, and enhancing workers’ rights. His administration also highlights efforts to rebuild international relationships strained by Brexit, with Starmer making diplomatic visits to more than a dozen countries.
A Decade of Renewal
Labour insiders frame the new milestones as the second phase of Starmer’s broader vision for a “decade of national renewal,” building on efforts to stabilize the country’s foundations.
“It’s about trying to use language that connects with voters,” Patrick Diamond, a former Labour policy adviser, told AFP. He emphasized that the milestones provide tangible metrics for voters to evaluate the government’s impact.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed this sentiment, describing the plan as a practical roadmap to deliver meaningful change.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the ambitious agenda, Starmer faces mounting pressure as approval ratings for his government falter and comparisons to his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, highlight the risks of unmet promises.
“This plan for change is the most ambitious yet honest program for government in a generation,” Starmer is expected to assert, seeking to inspire confidence in his administration’s capacity to address Britain’s pressing challenges and deliver lasting progress.
