Tony Blair has released a 5,700-word essay criticising Keir Starmer and the Labour Party, arguing they have failed to adopt a coherent strategy for economic growth and should abandon net zero policies. The former prime minister, who led Labour for 13 years and won three general elections, suggests Starmer should have ditched new green projects, workers' rights laws, and tax changes for non-doms to instead focus on supporting business.
Blair's intervention, published by his thinktank, praises Wes Streeting as a 'huge political talent' and acknowledges Starmer made Labour an 'acceptable default' in 2024. However, the overall tone is critical, with Blair lamenting that the party is not learning from its only period of sustained success under his leadership. He calls for a move to the 'radical centre' and warns that the UK is stuck in insular political debate.
The timing of the essay, ahead of a byelection in Makerfield, has annoyed many in Labour. Critics describe Blair as 'less and less relevant', noting he left frontline politics nearly 20 years ago and now spends time at elite events like Davos or with Donald Trump. Some in government agree with his broad complaints but find his specific policy prescriptions politically impossible, such as backing Trump on Iran or weakening net zero commitments.
Blair argues that successful governments start with an idea and a plan, not a personality contest. Yet his advice feels disconnected from current political realities, and many doubt his proposals will be taken up by Starmer's team.
