Former Labour leader Lord Kinnock has warned Sir Keir Starmer that he has only "months" to demonstrate he can reverse the party's declining fortunes. The stark warning comes as Labour's poll ratings have plummeted just 15 months after its landslide election victory, amid the rise of Reform UK and growing questions over Sir Keir's leadership.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Westminster Hour, Lord Kinnock said: "The reality is that he has got to act quickly in order to clearly establish a direction and purpose." He acknowledged Sir Keir's intelligence and principles but stressed the need to show he is "authentically very Labour with a set of principles that are practical in their application".
Lord Kinnock noted that the Government has made "progressive" moves, but they have been "obscured by basic errors" such as the deeply unpopular cuts to winter fuel payments. He argued that effective management by the Prime Minister is essential, adding: "What he's got to do in the coming months - and I mean months, not over years, is demonstrate that very clearly."
The former leader also criticised the operation inside Downing Street, expressing reservations about the capability of some staff. "Something is not connecting effectively with the Labour Party or with basic political skills," he said. Under party rules, a leadership contest would be triggered if 20% of Labour MPs nominate a candidate to stand against Sir Keir.
