Former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor has launched a scathing critique of Sir Keir Starmer, arguing that the Prime Minister has repeatedly failed the test of judgement and lacks a coherent set of principles. Writing for Express.co.uk, Proctor, who was falsely accused in the Operation Midland scandal, draws on his personal experience to question Starmer's integrity.
Economic Promises vs. Reality
Proctor notes that upon taking office, Starmer declared economic growth his overriding priority. Yet, he argues, the government's actions have stifled growth. Businesses face higher employment costs, and the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) has surpassed one million. Proctor also blames previous Conservative governments for failing to address the NEET issue adequately. Investment has faltered, and economic confidence has weakened, with rhetoric promising growth but reality delivering stagnation.
Public Appointments and Welfare Policy
Starmer's handling of public appointments, particularly the nomination of Peter Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the US, drew criticism. Proctor says Starmer initially championed Mandelson but later distanced himself from the resulting controversy, embracing responsibility only when convenient. On welfare, Proctor highlights that pensioners faced losing winter fuel payments while welfare spending expanded by £20 billion, bringing annual benefits costs to £333 billion.
Freebie-Gate and Farming U-Turn
The "freebie-gate" controversy, where Starmer and senior ministers accepted luxury gifts from donor Lord Alli, is cited as evidence of poor judgement. Proctor argues that while the sums were not unlawful, the symbolism was damaging: a Prime Minister asking the public to tighten belts while enjoying privileges. Similarly, the government's proposed inheritance tax raid on family farms provoked widespread protests. Only after sustained pressure did the government retreat and increase the tax-free threshold, showing a pattern of announcing first and retreating later.
Operation Midland and Moral Panic
Proctor's deepest concern lies with Starmer's role as Director of Public Prosecutions. He claims Starmer helped shape a culture that prioritised belief over evidence in the aftermath of the Savile scandal, insisting false allegations were exceptionally rare. This contributed to cases like Operation Midland, where the Metropolitan Police publicly declared Carl Beech's allegations "credible and true" before any meaningful investigation. Proctor's home was raided, his reputation destroyed, and his life turned upside down. Beech was later convicted and sentenced to 18 years in prison for making false allegations.
Proctor also criticises Starmer for elevating Tom Watson to the House of Lords, despite Watson being one of Beech's most enthusiastic political supporters and having previously been blocked by Jeremy Corbyn. Starmer has never acknowledged the damage caused by the culture he helped create, says Proctor.
Conclusion: A Pattern of Expediency
Proctor concludes that the common thread in Starmer's career is not principle but its absence. Whether on economic policy, public appointments, criminal justice, or political patronage, Starmer follows prevailing fashions rather than defending enduring values. He presents himself as a serious lawyer but often announces reviews and inquiries after damage is done. Proctor states that Britain needs conviction, clarity, and leadership, but Starmer appears guided by political calculation. His record demonstrates a recurring inability to recognise mistakes, learn from them, and accept responsibility. Judgement, Proctor argues, is the essential qualification for high office, and Starmer has repeatedly failed that test.
