Veteran political adviser John Browne has described Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership as “trying to fix the wings of an airplane while you’re already in flight,” after The Independent revealed plans of a plot within Labour to oust the PM.
The cross-bench peer and former BP boss was speaking at the 2025 Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, which is partnered with The Independent for the second year running.
He was appearing on a panel alongside climate expert Friederike Otto and leading women’s rights lawyer Harriet Wistrich, as part of the festival’s daily “News Review” event, chaired by The Independent’s chief book critic Martin Chilton.
Responding to The Independent’s report on disquiet within Labour over Sir Keir’s premiership, Lord Browne, who advised five prime ministers including Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair, said the government should counteract “uncertainty” with a plan.
“And I mean a plan, not just a vision,” he said. “I was surprised that, despite the number of experienced people in government, it wasn't evidently clear that this particular administration came in with a plan.
“It's very difficult when you're trying to fix the wings of an airplane while you’re already in flight – and that is a really dangerous thing to do.
“Let’s see, maybe it’s early days and maybe the learning will take place during the process of government.”
The comments come after The Independent revealed that a large number of MPs from the so-called “soft left” of the party are organising to try to force a change of direction within the party.
Sir Keir’s turbulent first 10 months as prime minister have prompted growing questions about his leadership, magnified by the party’s recent losses at local elections, in which they lost two-thirds of the council seats they had in 2021.
He has also sparked controversy over his stance on migration, welfare cuts and the decision to cut winter fuel payments.
During Sunday morning’s event, the panel discussed a wide range of topics inspired by the day’s headlines, including climate policy around the world, the Post Office scandal, and violence against women and girls (VAWG).
Ms Wistrich, founder and director of the Centre for Women's Justice, told the audience that the government’s progress on VAWG targets had been “disappointing”, while Ms Otto warned Donald Trump’s cuts to US meteorologist jobs could cost lives in parts of the country.
Spread over 11 days, the 38th spring edition of the annual cultural event is set in Hay-on-Wye, the idyllic and picturesque “Town of Books”. Among the star-studded lineup are Mary Trump, Michael Sheen and Jameela Jamil.
The Independent has partnered with the festival once again to host “The News Review”, a series of panels where our journalists explore current affairs with leading figures from politics, science, the arts and comedy every morning.
Naga Munchetty: My first period made me faint - but doctors said it was normal
Rayner blasts leadership rumours: I don’t want to be leader of the Labour Party
God saved Trump to give Europe last chance, says Albanian PM
UK politics live: Badenoch blasts Starmer as Rayner gives winter fuel U-turn update
Police issue update after crossbow incident at Glasgow hospital
Single mother landed with 20% rent increase calls for rent controls
