“This is a government for you,” Sir Keir Starmer told reporters and supporters in the garden of Downing Street today.
“This building and garden are now back in your service.”
The PM was trying to channel the energy of his surprise election landslide last month, but already this is feeling a little bit forced.
Part of the problem is the choices already made by this Government – notably removing the winter fuel allowance from millions of pensioners while handing public sector workers large inflation-busting pay rises- are so divisive.
Christopher Hope had his hand up but was not picked by Keir Starmer to ask a question
PA
Starmer justified the cut to what he said was “not a well designed scheme” by saying that money had to be saved to plug the £22billion black hole left in the UK’s accounts by the last Tory government.
And he said that even pensioners to be able to use public services, like a functioning NHS, rather than one which was laid low by strike action.
“I will not shy away from unpopular choices now if I have to,” he said, adding: “This government won’t be perfect but you will be part of it.”
The problem is that many people are already feeling excluded from it.
That includes GB News which now has not been called for a question at a PM press conference in four out of the five press conferences he has hosted since getting the keys to 10 Downing Street.
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The PM was trying to channel the energy of his surprise election landslide last month
PA
The PM ignored my raised hand in the press seats in the No 10’s garden today.
That is his choice of course, but I think GB News viewers and listeners deserve better.
They certainly notice when they see my arm raised.
I was going to ask the PM about whether he actually understood why people are so worried about legal and illegal immigration in communities around the country – and whether he felt that was a “far right” issue.
Next time, perhaps. But I think answering questions from GB News might show that the PM does want to run a government for everyone.
All eyes are now on the October 30 Budget
PA
All eyes are now on the October 30 Budget when Starmer clearly laid the ground for tax hikes, and – perhaps – spending cuts.
The Budget was “going to be painful” he said, adding: “Those with the broadest shoulders should carry the burden.”
All the while the Tories are battling over who should lead the Opposition, with competing visions of the future.
We won’t know the result of the Conservatives’ leadership election until November 2 – after the Budget – by which time Labour’s course will be set.
For the Conservatives it is going to be a long five years until the next general election.
