Keir Starmer has promised to “build a new Britain” as he marked 100 days in Downing Street over the weekend – and we want to know YOUR thoughts on how the Prime Minister is getting on.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, the PM admitted that while Labour has faced some “choppy days”, he is determined to “look forward” and fix 14 years of Tory damage. It comes after the freebies row saw Starmer slammed for accepting thousands of pounds worth of clothes and glasses for himself and his wife Victoria from Labour peer and donor Lord Alli.
However, the leader announced he would no longer accept gifts of clothes and said he had paid back more than £6,000 worth of gifts and hospitality. Starmer was further dogged after parting with his chief-of-staff Sue Gray on Monday, following weeks of negative briefings aimed at the politician.
The move followed revelations that Ms Gray asked for and was given a salary of £170,000, which is £3,000 more than the prime minister and any cabinet minister, writes the BBC. It also came after reports of tensions between her and general election campaign chief Morgan McSweeney – who has replaced Ms Gray as top advisor.
The controversial decision to axe Winter Fuel Payments for more than ten million pensioners has continued to spark outrage. The payments, which are worth up to £300, depending on your circumstances, used to be available to anyone over state pension age – but now, you must be claiming certain means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, to continue receiving this cash.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves blamed this on a £22billion black hole left behind by the Tories. The PM said the former government’s “appalling” legacy has forced Labour to make “hard decisions” and do “difficult things”.
Writing for the Mirror, Starmer penned: “They left our country poorer, sicker, less safe and less sure of itself. A cost of living crisis and the NHS on its knees. Prisons overflowing and our infrastructure crumbling.
“14 years is a long time to cause damage. 100 days isn’t much time to fix it. But we will not let them stop us in our missions. This government will deliver higher growth, safer streets, the NHS back on its feet and fit for the future, cheaper bills for your family and better opportunities for your children.”
Reflecting on the past three months, the PM highlighted how the party scrapped the Tories’ “ridiculous” Rwanda plan on day one, as well as launched a new Border Security Command to smash the criminal gangs. He continued: “We’ve ended the junior doctors strikes so people can get the treatment they need. We’ve begun new solar projects and new offshore wind projects, lifted the onshore ban, and launched Great British Energy to boost our energy security and create good jobs.
“We’ve ended one word Ofsted judgements. We’ve introduced the Renters Reform Bill to stop no fault evictions. The Railway Services Bill will bring our railways back into public ownership so passengers will be the priority once more.”
This week, deputy PM Angela Rayner published the landmark Employment Rights Bill, which has been hailed the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation. Within the 28 reforms, included a ban on exploitative zero hours contracts and boosting sick pay provisions.
It promises to end the practice of bad bosses firing and rehiring staff on worse terms while providing parental and bereavement leave from day one. As Labour reach their first milestone, we want to hear your thoughts on Starmer’s first 100 days in office? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
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