- By Chas Geiger
- Political reporter
Sir Keir Starmer promised voters that he would “fight for you” and put “country first, party second”.
In his first major speech since calling a general election, the Labour leader said he could be trusted because he had “changed this party for good”.
He also asked the people to trust him to ensure economic stability and national security.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said the country needed “bold action, not vague excuses”.
Despite Labour’s commanding lead in the opinion polls, Sir Keir acknowledged that many voters were still not fully convinced by the party.
“I know there are countless people who are still undecided about how they will vote in this election. They are tired of the Conservative Party’s failures, confusion and division, but they still have questions for us: has Labour changed enough?
“Would I trust them with my money, my borders, my security? My answer is yes, I can, because I have changed this party for good,” he said.
Sir Keir later told the BBC he considered himself a “socialist”.
Many on the left have accused the party of abandoning the socialist vision of his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, but Sir Keir said: “I say I’m a socialist. I say I’m a progressive. I say I’ve always put country first and party second.”
Keir also told the BBC that Labour’s plans did not mean taxes would have to be raised, including the main rate of VAT.
“Tax increases in recent years have placed an excessive burden on workers,” he said.
“We’ve looked at all the plans and none of them would require a tax increase.”
It comes after Labour’s shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced on Sunday that there would be no increase in income tax or national insurance contributions under a Labour government.
Asked if there was a lack of enthusiasm for Labour, Sir Keir pointed to the party’s performance in recent local and by-elections and said: “It’s clear to me that people who voted for other parties are now turning their attention to Labour.”
In a personal address on Monday, Sir Keir spoke at length about his background, growing up in a small town called Oxted, Surrey, during the “difficult times” of the 1970s.
“My father was a toolmaker and worked in a factory. My mother was a nurse. She never complained, but her illness affected our lives.
“I know what it feels like to have inflation that’s out of control, the rising cost of living that makes you dread the postman coming down the street and wondering, ‘Is he going to bring me another bill I can’t pay?'”
He added that the election “is not just about personal change and policies, but about values, temperament, character and the larger question: ‘Which side are you on?'”
“Who do you have in mind when making your decision?
“Everything I have fought for has been shaped by my life. Every change I have brought to this party has been for the greater good, the answer, the only answer, to that question: to enable the workers of this country to realise their aspirations, to earn their respect and to serve their interests.”
Sir Keir, who became party leader in April 2020, had been frustrated that he had not had a proper opportunity to introduce himself to voters during the pandemic.
Now that the election campaign has begun, I feel it is necessary to tell voters something about the man who is seeking to become Prime Minister.
The Labour leader said his experiences had “shaped the plan I have drawn up for the UK and, in particular, the importance of economic stability”.
“But now we find ourselves at a perilous new point, crossing the Rubicon of trust – not just in politics but in many of the institutions that are supposed to serve and protect the British people.”
Conservative Party chairman Richard Haldane dismissed the Labour leader’s speech as “boring and incoherent” and “devoid of policy, substance or plan”.
“Once again Keir Starmer has failed to stand up and tell the public anything… The question remains: will Starmer ever find the courage and conviction to tell us what he will do, or does he simply not know?”
“The choice is clear: stick to the plan that works and take bold action with Rishi Sunak for a safer and more secure future, or go back to square one with Labour.”
The Conservative Party claimed on Sunday that the Labour leader did not have the “stamina” to campaign and was “resting at home”.
Sir Keir dismissed it as “desperation” on Monday, saying: “I’ve wasted nine years of my life in opposition, I’ve worked four and a half years to change the Labour Party and now I have my chance to tell the country that.”
“So we’re working with all the candidates going into this election with not only energy, but smiles and positivity.”
