Sir Keir Starmer is adopting a deliberate, cautious approach as he outlines Labour's vision, calculating that a general election is unlikely this year. His strategy focuses on convincing voters that Labour has fundamentally changed under his leadership, while avoiding detailed policy announcements that could be co-opted by the government or become electoral liabilities.
In a recent speech, Starmer employed the language of the Brexit campaign, unveiling a proposed 'Taking Back Control Bill' to devolve power from Westminster. This echoes the successful slogan of the Leave campaign, as Labour seeks to win back Leave-voting seats lost in recent years. An adviser described the effort as an attempt to 'seal the deal' with disillusioned Conservative voters.
Starmer also sought to reassure voters about Labour's fiscal responsibility, stating that the party's solutions would not involve 'getting its big government chequebook out.' However, when pressed on whether Labour would spend more, less, or the same as the Conservatives, he declined to answer, avoiding a potential hostage to fortune.
This cautious stance raises questions about Labour's purpose if it is unwilling to commit to greater public spending. Yet Starmer appears willing to accept such scrutiny if it helps convince voters wary of Labour's historical reputation for profligacy. Both he and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are vying for the premiership, but while Sunak seeks to project immediate action, Starmer is biding his time, judiciously unveiling specifics as he sees fit.
