Starmer says Brits should judge him on whether they feel better off.
Keir Starmer wants to be PM until 2034 (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir Starmer wants to stay in Downing Street until 2034, despite reports of plots to topple the Prime Minister continue to haunt the Labour leader. The PM has been facing intense speculation over his future in recent weeks fuelled in part by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and an extraordinary briefing war over suggestions Health Secretary Wes Streeting was plotting to mount a coup.
But Sir Keir has repeated his ambition to be PM for a decade, meaning he would continue in office until 2034. The Labour leader said during the 2024 General Election that he wanted to preside over a decade of “national renewal”.
Asked by GB News if he would serve a full second terms assuming Labour wins the next election, Sir Keir said: “Yes. I’ve always said this is a decade of national renewal.”
He said Labour was elected on a change mandate, which he said meant “bearing down” on the cost-of-living crisis.
The Prime Minister said he would be judged at the next election on whether people feel better off, the NHS is in better shape and Brits feel safe in their communities.
Mr Burnham on Thursday repeatedly refused to rule out challenging Sir Keir for the leadership of the Labour Party, saying he was not in a position to dismiss such a move.
The ex-MP for Leigh said he appreciated the support of Labour MP Clive Lewis, who said he would be willing to give up his Norwich South seat to allow him to mount a leadership challenge.
Sir Keir faced further calls to quit on Friday, with a second Labour MP joining Mr Lewis in backing a change of leadership.
In an interview with former Labour candidate Ali Milani, Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome said: “I think there does have to be a new leader.
“Even if Keir Starmer had a radical change of direction, I don’t think people would believe him. And I don’t think people around him would allow that to happen.
“So I think there has to be a change in leadership, a change in personnel, of the people in Number 10, and a completely different direction for the party.”
Mr Burnham has been touted as a possible successor to the Prime Minister by those unhappy with the direction of the Government, but he would need to return to the Commons to launch a bid for the top job.
Pressed on whether Mr Burnham should ease off, Sir Keir told journalists: “Andy’s doing a really good job as mayor in Manchester and we work very closely together.”
