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Things can only get worse? Keir Starmer dampens expectations in his first keynote speech as Prime Minister | UK news

Communication is an important weapon in the arsenal of any government.

In 2010, the new coalition spent its first few months reiterating the claim that Labour had caused economic chaos, backed up by the famous phrase: “There is no money left.”

It was so successful that some political analysts believe it made a major contribution to David Cameron be re-elected about five years later.

Labour has learned this lesson, so Sir Keir StarmerThe message of Donald Trump's first keynote speech as prime minister on Tuesday is essentially about expectation management.

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“Hunt lied about the state of public finances”

He will warn that life in Britain “will get worse” before things get better and are “worse than we ever imagined.”

In contrast to the jubilant optimism on the day he entered Downing Street, the Prime Minister will now say: “Part of that is being honest with people – about the choices we face. And about how tough that will be. Frankly – it will get worse before it gets better.”

Whether things are worse than anyone ever imagined before the election is a contentious political question.

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In some areas the situation is obviously very difficult: the prison and asylum sectors as well as public finances are clearly under enormous strain.

It is sensible, even prudent, of Labour to point out that any change takes time.

And if their message is well received, that should theoretically buy them some time and space with voters, so they don't have to expect immediate improvements.

Prime Minister David Cameron holds up a note that Liam Byrne left on his desk at the Treasury after the Labour Party's election defeat in 2010. Image: PA
Picture:
Prime Minister David Cameron holds up a note that Liam Byrne left on his desk at the Treasury after the Labour Party's election defeat in 2010. Image: PA

Starmer will speak of the “rot that took hold deep at the heart of the foundations of our country under previous Tory governments”, and Labour will hope to benefit from any improvements.

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Frankly, the macroeconomic picture in the UK is pretty good. Immigration numbers are starting to fall, unemployment remains low. The legacy is not all bad. Don't be surprised if Labour starts to claim some of these successes as the election date fades in people's minds.

Ultimately, no government can ignore the reality of people’s lives and their problems.

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But if they succeed in allowing exceptions and formulating narratives, experience shows that this tactic can help governments defeat their political opponents in the future.

Sir Keir therefore hopes that voters will take note of his speech not only this week, but in the years to come.

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