Huge tests for Sir Keir Starmer and his new Labour – The Yorkshire Post says

SIR KEIR Starmer quite deliberately used his first party conference speech as Labour leader to compare his ‘competence’ – and his regard for the ‘rule of law’ as a former Director of Public Prosecutions – with Boris Johnson’s ‘incompetence’ over the Covid-19 crisis and willingness to disregard the law on Brexit.
By YP Comment
Published 22nd Sep 2020, 16:33 BST
Sir Keir Starmer delivered the Labour leader's annual conference speech from Doncaster.Sir Keir Starmer delivered the Labour leader's annual conference speech from Doncaster.
Sir Keir Starmer delivered the Labour leader's annual conference speech from Doncaster.

Yet, as Doncaster became the first venue for such a setpiece speech since Harold Wilson addressed the party faithful in Scarborough in 1967, the theme of competence was Sir Keir’s chance to differentiate himself from his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn (who he pointedly chose not to mention by name).

And while this was a polished performance, as Labour draw level with the Tories in the polls, the fact that Sir Keir had to highlight his loyalty to Britain confirms the scale of the electoral task still facing his party in the coming years.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He’s made a solid start and restored credibility to the Labour front bench. But his contradictions can’t be ignored – like his promise for constructive opposition when Kate Green, his party’s education spokeswoman, says Covid-19 is “a good crisis” for the party to exploit. Or his stance on Brexit – “the debate between Leave and Remain is over” – when he was the prime advocate of a second referendum. Or appearing to ignore the risk of Scottish independence when Labour’s path back to power depends on winning back swathes of seats of Scotland. The list goes on.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer delivers his keynote speech during the party's online conference from the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum in Doncaster.Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer delivers his keynote speech during the party's online conference from the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum in Doncaster.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer delivers his keynote speech during the party's online conference from the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum in Doncaster.

Yes, Sir Keir has brought back gravitas to the role of Leader of Opposition but he has many more sceptics to convince before they will consider him, and his new Labour, as a Prime Minister and government in waiting.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today.

Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers.

So, please - if you can - pay for our work. Just £5 per month is the starting point. If you think that which we are trying to achieve is worth more, you can pay us what you think we are worth. By doing so, you will be investing in something that is becoming increasingly rare. Independent journalism that cares less about right and left and more about right and wrong. Journalism you can trust.

Thank you

James Mitchinson

Related topics:Keir StarmerLabourJeremy CorbynBoris JohnsonYorkshire PostBrexitScarborough

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.