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Keir Starmer: All you need to know about Britain’s new PM

Keir Starmer strikes the public as a calm, wise man who speaks about values and being a socialist

All prime ministers have a unique demeanour and style of working. Each has a distinct leadership style that can influence how things are done and how they work. The famous quote from Herbert Asquith that best describes being prime minister is “what the holder chooses and can make of it.”

There isn’t much information available to help determine how Keir Starmer will decide to become prime minister of Britain. He described himself as “an inclusive, determined prime minister who will look out for everyone in the country.” He stated this in a podcast, the Conversation reported.

Keir Starmer’s demeanour and style have been characterised as “professional, methodical, and detail-oriented, but lacking in flair.” David Marquand, the late MP and historian, described him as a “pragmatic operator,” and experts suggest that describes him quite well. Not the fiery rhetoric or visionary appeal of Harold Wilson or Tony Blair for Keir Starmer. However, he is not just a “machine politician.”

Keir Starmer strikes the public as a calm, wise man who speaks about values and being a socialist. Experts say it is reasonable to argue that, compared to many of his predecessors; he comes from a more genuine working-class background.

He joined the Parliament in 2015, at the age of 52. His whole political career has been devoted to opposition. Although it didn’t help them, his predecessors, all the way back to Theresa May, had significant experience as government ministers when they assumed the position.

However, Keir Starmer has had a more active time than most in Parliament. After taking the helm of his party during the pandemic, he was heavily involved in Brexit. Leading the opposition, he oversaw the swift removal of two prime ministers (and played a large role in removing at least one, with his methodical lawyer’s approach).

Man On A Mission

The fact that Keir Starmer oversaw a sizable government department is significant. He joins Number 10 as an experienced leader, having run a state organisation before his political career even started, thanks to his five years as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The emphasis on delivery is implied by Keir Starmer’s DPP experience. His priorities will be taking care of issues, coming up with answers, and finishing tasks. Additionally, the previous administration’s politicisation and conflicts with the bureaucratic apparatus of government may cease, and there will be a greater focus placed on results.

According to experts, Keir Starmer’s government will be mission-led and structured around some overarching, longer-term missions that aim to bring about stable, long-lasting change. Although this idea is not new or especially radical, it might seem that way in light of the recent chaos and short-termism that seem to have taken over.

The key test will be in how and how quickly decisions are made, or not made. Keir Starmer’s seeming lack of conviction regarding the net zero agenda might signify things to come. Being meticulous and detail-oriented can be interpreted as a sign of indecision and delay.

One of his most notable leadership allusions is this: “The best decisions I’ve made in my life were those held up to the light and that survived scrutiny. The worst was when nobody said boo”

However, his deputy Angela Rayner pointed out that he tends to “undershare,” which could indicate that he keeps decision-making within a select circle of close friends and family members.

Need To Set Priorities

Keir Starmer promised a government that will be “pro-business and pro-worker” in the Labour Party’s manifesto last month. There were no significant policy surprises in the document; however, it did highlight the party’s earlier priorities.

The Labour Party says that achieving economic stability is their top priority, with the cost of living crisis being a major concern for many voters.

The Party has pledged to adhere to the stringent budgetary regulations already in place by the government, which include only borrowing money for investments as opposed to regular spending.

Additionally, they anticipate raising £7 billion in taxes, mostly through the prosecution of nom-domiciles and tax evasion.

One of the party’s most striking proposals is to remove the VAT tax break for private schools. They claim that this will generate an estimated 1.07 billion pounds, which will then fund state spending.

The Labour Party also wants to build 1.5 million new homes, abolish no-fault evictions, and develop new towns.

In an interview with Sky News, when asked what the public could expect the Labour Party to deliver on their promise to “kickstart” the economy, shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves responded, “We sought a mandate to grow the economy and that is what we are going to get started on doing. Reform of our planning system is essential to build the housing we need, the transport infrastructure, and the energy infrastructure.”

Rachel Reeves went on to say that she wants to make sure the economy benefits everyone, but especially women, who she claimed have “borne the brunt of austerity.”

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