Keir Starmer to handle nation at 10.30pm as questions mount over his future
The PM led his party to a 174-seat majority just 18 months ago, but there is serious doubt in Westminster that he will still be at the helm this time next year
Sir Keir Starmer is set to address the country today (December 31) as speculation about his future continues to grow.
The beleagured prime minister will drop a New Year message at 10.30pm in which he is expected to reflect on a stormy year in politics. He has battled dissent in his own party, lost his deputy Angela Rayner and seem his approval ratings drop to a record low just 18 months after leading his party to a thumping 174-seat majority – as support for the Greens and Reform rises.
The PM himself addressed the mounting speculation over his future before Christmas, when he conceded: “It seems to be pretty rife!”
His New Year address has not been leaked, but it comes as senior Labour sources admitted to the BBC: “I wouldn’t insult your intelligence by trying to pretend campaigning to replace him isn’t going on.”
The beeb’s political editor Chris Mason described it as “small c campaigning”, meaning it was likely to be “discreet conversations and planning, the vast majority a long way from the public gaze and deniable”.
And Labour insiders say blitz of public facing activity from Downing Street is expected early in the new year as the government tries to improve its communications strategy.
In last year’s address, Sir Keir said 2025 was to be a “year of rebuilding” while also “rediscovering the great nation that we are”. He said: “Until you can look forward and believe in the promise and the prosperity of Britain again, then this government will fight for you.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is also expected to issue her New Year message at 10.30pm too, while Reform leader Nigel Farage is set to deliver his at 9am, though he appears to shared it in full already.
Writing in the Daily Mail, he said: “One of the first things a Reform government will do is make sure the young are taught correctly about our history,” adding: “I know many feel hopeless, but we’re the party offering hope. We’re the ones offering change.”
He added: “One in seven Britons now owns a digital asset such as bitcoin. As a former commodities trader during the rip-roaring ‘Big Bang’ days of the 1980s, I can tell you that cryptocurrencies are firmly here to stay.
“Not only do they offer individuals the ultimate freedom from big government and state interference, but they represent a golden opportunity for our economy. I would go as far to say that I believe this really could be the City’s second ‘Big Bang’ moment.”
Lib Dem boss Ed Davey’s has already been released and will be on his social media channels later, while the Greens will have their deputy leaders Rachel Millward and Mothin Ali deliver a message on New Year’s Day, inviting people to “join the party for an amazing ride.”
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