Promises of Change: How Much of Sir Keir Starmer’s Vision Was Rhetoric?

[Social Media]

 

When Sir Keir Starmer stood in the general election, he promised to lead a government built on change, both in leadership and culture. His campaign centered on doing things differently, portraying himself as a politician who would usher in a new era of service-focused governance. This was not just about a transfer of power between parties but a transformation of how the country would be run. Yet, early into his tenure as prime minister, questions have emerged about how much of this pledge was mere rhetoric, as scandals and controversies surrounding donations threaten to overshadow his promises.

 

Among the most pressing issues is the ongoing controversy over Starmer’s acceptance of freebies. During the last parliament, he claimed gifts and donations totaling £107,145—more than any other politician. These handouts ranged from high-end clothing worth £16,200 to football-related perks exceeding £35,000, and a combination of concert tickets, rugby matches, and race events worth over £17,000. Most recently, he declared using a wealthy donor's multi-million-pound penthouse, valued at £20,000, during the election campaign so his son could study for his GCSEs away from the media attention at the family's Kentish Town home.

 

While such donations might fall within the established rules, the optics have not played well with the public. A YouGov poll released on Wednesday showed that three out of four people believe donations like concert tickets and expensive clothing to politicians should be banned. Additionally, Starmer’s personal approval ratings have taken a significant hit. An Opinium survey revealed that his popularity had dropped by 45 points, bringing him to an approval rating of -26, a rating that makes him slightly less popular than his predecessor, Rishi Sunak.

 

There are many reasons behind this sharp decline, with Starmer’s decision to scrap the winter fuel allowance for pensioners standing out as a particularly controversial move. However, the fallout from the freebies row has been hard to ignore. Some within Starmer’s own circles have expressed concern, noting that at best, the issue has distracted from the government’s message, and at worst, it has undermined Starmer’s claim to being a politician of change. For a prime minister who vowed to lead differently, the charges of accepting lavish gifts from wealthy friends make him appear not so different from those who came before him.

 

Despite the criticism, Starmer has offered explanations for his actions. In a tense interview, the prime minister defended himself, acknowledging that while the claims have followed all the rules, the situation does pose perception issues. He argued that “behind some of those numbers, there is a human story.” He highlighted how security concerns have forced him to sit in corporate hospitality while watching Arsenal matches with his son, rather than his usual seat in the stands, explaining that this arrangement ultimately saves taxpayer money. Regarding the penthouse accommodation, Starmer justified it as a measure to protect his son during a critical time in his education, allowing him a quiet space away from the relentless media presence outside their home.

 

These explanations may resonate with some, while others may remain skeptical. What is clear is that Sir Keir Starmer, who campaigned on a platform of change and integrity, is now grappling with the consequences of actions that seem to contradict the ideals he promised to uphold. For a prime minister who came to power pledging to lead differently, the perception that he is just another politician accepting favors from wealthy connections may prove difficult to shake. Whether the public believes in the validity of his justifications or views them as political spin will shape the perception of Starmer's leadership in the months to come.

 

Based on a report from: Sky News 2024-09-27

 

 

 

[Kinok Farang]

Just another,in a long line of English prime minister's that has let our country down.

Life will never be the same again for millions of families in the UK.

Our once safe country is now a shiit-hole of the highest order with rapes and stabbings the norm.Not too long ago a murder was front page news and now (unless it is multiple) hardly gets a mention.

Who in their right mind would invite millions of fighting age men who at best don't like you and at worst want to harm you into their country.All Europe is the same.

Consecutive governments have done this to our kids and grandkids,i fear for their future and weep.

[Snackbar]

25 years of decline 

[JonnyF]

It's changed. For the worse.

 

If you thought the Tories were bad, Labour are taking it to another level. 

 

This might be the last Labour government for decades. Let's hope so. 

[herfiehandbag]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

Most recently, he declared using a wealthy donor's multi-million-pound penthouse, valued at £20,000, during the election campaign so his son could study for his GCSEs away from the media attention at the family's Kentish Town home.

Rather unfortunately (and inconvenient for his argument), the majority of the time he had the use of this penthouse was after the GCSEs had ended!

[jippytum]

advice to Stamer

Release the sausages and make Ed Milliband a sandwich

[mokwit]

1 hour ago, herfiehandbag said:

Rather unfortunately (and inconvenient for his argument), the majority of the time he had the use of this penthouse was after the GCSEs had ended!

This is why he cannot continue as PM. He is without integrity.

[MarkBR]

2 hours ago, Snackbar said:

25 years of decline 

Over 50 at least, check all the useless PMs.

[Chomper Higgot]

Less than three months into a new Government is obviously too soon to determine if they are going to live up to manifesto promises.

 

The Government hasn’t yet delivered its first budget.

 

 

[MarkBR]

Just now, Chomper Higgot said:

Less than three months into a new Government is obviously too soon to determine if they are going to live up to manifesto promises.

 

The Government hasn’t yet delivered its first budget.

 

 

Will need at a least a year, before doubts appear for those not driven by partisanship.  Then can be added to the list of competent or incompetent PMs.

[JonnyF]

59 minutes ago, mokwit said:

This is why he cannot continue as PM. He is without integrity.

 

Lots of rumours on Twitter something even bigger is about to break and he could be gone by next week.

 

I'd say let's hope it's true, but then we might get Rayner. 😃

[JonnyF]

3 hours ago, herfiehandbag said:

Rather unfortunately (and inconvenient for his argument), the majority of the time he had the use of this penthouse was after the GCSEs had ended!

 

He always uses his son as an excuse for the bribes. He did it with the football tickets as well. Shameful stuff.

 

I mean how is his son supposed to study for his GCSE's in a 3 storey, 4 bedroom, 2 million pound Camden town house? 😄

 

It's not like he can't afford to heat it like the pensioners. 

 

 

[Cameroni]

7 hours ago, Social Media said:

In a tense interview

 

I greatly admire the British interview culture, people like Paxman and others, who actually do not let the politician get away with talking sideways.

 

I have only ever seen robust questioning in the UK, nowhere else does this as seriously and competently as the British journalists do. Fawning journalists who soil their own pants when they see a politician is the norm, but not in Britain. 

 

 

[brianthainess]

9 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

 

I greatly admire the British interview culture, people like Paxman and others, who actually do not let the politician get away with talking sideways.

 

I have only ever seen robust questioning in the UK, nowhere else does this as seriously and competently as the British journalists do. Fawning journalists who soil their own pants when they see a politician is the norm, but not in Britain. 

 

 

Agree imagine Thailand's press interviews if they could be like this. I would have some very leading questions to ask " Why does Thailand need fighter jets and subs ? "

" Why was the the Burmese Junta allowed to launder Truck loads money into Thailand and flown out ? " 

[MarkBR]

2 hours ago, mokwit said:

This is why he cannot continue as PM. He is without integrity.

Unlike Boris?

[James105]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

 

Lots of rumours on Twitter something even bigger is about to break and he could be gone by next week.

 

I'd say let's hope it's true, but then we might get Rayner. 😃

 

Yes I've heard this with speculation about fathering a child with his office secretary to a full on gay relationship with the sugar daddy who buys his wifes underwear.   Quite intrigued about what it actually is but apparently a super injunction is in place so rumours are all that are available and when the internet is given a chance to speculate... then speculate it does!   Whatever it is he is better off getting it out on his terms ahead of it leaking but he is far too weak a man to do so.   

 

Labour only choose men as its leaders so it's most likely Steeting or Burhham next I would think.    

Edited 10 hours ago by James105

[mokwit]

1 minute ago, James105 said:

apparently a super injunction is in place

If this is true then he has no place in politics. IMO, under no circumstances can MP's suppress information about themselves with a super injunction, although IMO they have the right to sue if egregiously defamed.

 

Oh dear, he is going to regret snubbing Elon Musk. Likely nobody in the UK will be able to read about it on X but the rest of the world is not under the jurisdiction of the UK legally. It will be like all those stories about a prominent UK family  that were printed in every country except the UK.

 

 

[Scottie12]

If there was an election today Farage would win.

[PETERTHEEATER]

Starmer's beer sponsor is objecting to the mis-spelling of their brand name CHANGE.

[JonnyF]

Another change I can think of...

 

Lots of children having to change schools mid GCSE's because their parents can't afford the 20% hike he is putting on school fees.

 

But on the bright side, Starmer's son will be fine, because he was gifted access to an 18 million pound pad to study for his GCSE's in, to get away from the terribly unsuitable conditions in Starmer's 2 million pound Camden townhouse.

 

Starmer need not worry about the 20% hike anyway, no need to look for chump change in those deep pockets since he gets gifted everything instead of paying for it like normal people.

 

Being UK PM certainly has it's "perks". Or at least, it does now.

[brianthainess]

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Lots of children having to change schools mid GCSE's because their parents can't afford the 20% hike he is putting on school fees.

That's news to me that UK schools charge a fee, when was that introduced if ever ?