Sir Keir Starmer is attempting to win back disillusioned voters and see off challenges to his leadership with a promise to improve their financial wellbeing and ease the cost of living crisis.
Speaking over the weekend, the prime minister acknowledged public “frustration” regarding the pace of progress, but he insisted that his policies would begin to deliver “positive change” for people in 2026.
Sir Keir also insisted he will still be in No 10 by 2027 despite growing discontent among Labour backbenchers and suggestions that heavy losses in May’s elections would spark a contest to replace him.
But he told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that the votes across Scotland, England and Wales would not be a “referendum” on his Westminster administration.
It comes after a challenging year for his administration, marked by sluggish economic growth, internal leadership rumblings, and disappointing poll ratings ahead of May’s local elections.
Making his first visit of the year to meet members of the public on Monday, Sir Keir insisted Britain will turn a corner in 2026.
Speaking at a community centre in Berkshire, the prime minister made reference to the US operation in Venezuela over the weekend, but acknowledged people had other day-to-day priorities.
He said: “It’s really good to be able to come here and speak to you. I’m acutely aware that there are a lot of things going on in the world at the moment, particularly you will see some things this weekend.
“But I always remind myself that for you and millions of people across this country, what matters more than anything is the cost of living, is actually being able to pay bills, making sure that ends meet at the end of the month, and that we’re driving down all those things that cause people a lot of anxiety when they feel they can’t pay the bills.”
Concluding his remarks, Sir Keir said: “2026 is the year that we’re going to be turning a corner where – when we say we want national renewal of the country, and we do – it becomes a reality, and people begin to feel the difference in their pockets, in the ability to pay the bill.
“That’s why we say we are turning a corner into 2026.”
It came after the PM on Sunday insisted frequent leadership changes are not “in the national interest” and that “constant chopping and changing” under the previous Tory government had been “utter chaos”.
The prime minister also appeared to acknowledge criticism of his premiership but said he would “rise above” the commentary and focus on making a “material difference” to people’s lives.
“We will fight for every vote, and we take absolutely nothing for granted,” he said.
Asked whether he appreciated the political trouble he had been in after a series of policy U-turns and shifts in strategy, he said: “Almost every week somebody writes that this is the worst week in politics.
“You can’t have 52 worst weeks in politics.”
On a number of visits this week, Sir Keir will highlight policies like a freeze on rail fares and plans to cut energy bills, which he says will help lower the financial burden on households.
Around 3 million train tickets will be discounted for a week from Tuesday under an annual government scheme.
Before meeting residents on Monday, Sir Keir said: “It’s good news for Berkshire’s high streets and local businesses too – affordable public transport brings in customers and helps families enjoy time together.
“Growing up, our family couldn’t always make ends meet. I know every pound matters, and this year I am going further to tackle the cost of living and bring down costs for families.”
As MPs return to Westminster this week after the Christmas recess, Sir Keir will tell the first Cabinet meeting of the year on Tuesday: “I know families across the country are still worried about the cost of living.
“There will be no let-up in our fight to make life better for them.”
But Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Sir Keir “expects gratitude” when “it’s his decisions that have made the cost of living worse”.
She said working people are paying “higher taxes” after the government extended a freeze on income tax thresholds, which together with previous extensions means millions face being dragged into paying higher rates.
Ministers say the changes in the Budget, which included overall taxes being hiked by £26bn, were “fair and necessary” to help cut the cost of living and improve public services.
“Labour have no plan to fix Britain and working families are paying the price,” Ms Badenoch said.
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