Neil Kinnock, who led the Labour Party between 1983 and 1992, said he had ‘reservations’ about some of Mr Starmer’s aides in Downing Street and ‘basic political skills’
Neil Kinnock has warned Keir Starmer has months not years to demonstrate “effective management” of Labour as he criticised the Downing Street operation.
The former Labour leader between 1983 and 1992 said he had “reservations” about some of Mr Starmer’s aides in No10 and “basic political skills”. Lord Kinnock said “basic errors” – including the row over winter fuel payment cuts – had also clouded the achievements of the first 15 months of the Labour government.
His comments to BBC’s Westminster Hour come after a turbulent few months for the PM. Last month he lost his Deputy PM, Angela Rayner, who resigned over unpaid tax on a second home, and was forced to sack Peter Mandleson as the UK’s ambassador to America.
Labour is also facing a tricky by-election in Wales this week and major elections in May 2026 in England, Scotland and Wales, with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK ahead in the polls.
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Told Mr Starmer does not have long to turn around his premiership, Lord Kinnock told BBC’s Westminster Hour: “Well, he does actually. He’s got three years and nine months. But the reality is he’s got to act quickly in order to clearly establish a direction and purpose.
“Now, I know he’s got it. He’s a man of high intelligence and deeply rooted principles, there’s no doubt at all about that. But what he’s got to do, is if you like, demonstrate that he is authentically very Labour, with a set of principles that are practical in their application and the determination to put them into full effect.”
He added: “There is any amount of evidence over the last 15 months of progressive developments taking place. They are unheard because they have been obscured by basic errors the government has made like the withdrawal of the winter heating allowance.
“That has got to be attended to by effective management by the Prime Minister. There is nobody else to do it. What he’s got to do in the coming months, and I mean months, not over years, is demonstrate that very clearly.”
Lord Kinnock added: “It shouldn’t be very difficult for Keir, he should just be himself. The sterling advocate that he is. The person who is not afraid to evoke inspiration.”
He also criticised the No10 operation telling BBC Westminster Hour: “I’ve got reservations about the capabilities of some of the people that appear to be there. I know some of them to be extremely able and effective and they’ve demonstrated that historically. But something is not connecting effectively with the Labour Party or with basic political skills, and I hope it will very rapidly.”
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