Sir Keir Starmer, the current Labour leader, has revealed that he frequently seeks advice from former Prime Minister Tony Blair, indicating a close relationship between the two. Starmer admitted that he talks to Blair “a lot” and finds their conversations “really helpful” as he navigates his path toward potentially occupying 10 Downing Street.
In an interview with Channel Five TV, Starmer acknowledged his interest in learning from Blair’s experiences, particularly leading up to the 1997 general election when Labour returned to power after years in opposition.
While Starmer emphasized that their discussions have focused less on specific policies and more on the broader strategy of transitioning from opposition to government, the revelation has sparked concerns among some about a potential return to the New Labour era under his leadership.
Critics fear that Starmer’s reliance on advice from figures associated with the New Labour period, such as Blair and Lord Peter Mandelson, could signal a continuation of policies that they view as contributing to inequality and military interventions.
Additionally, the mention of Lord Mandelson’s advice for Starmer to lose weight has raised eyebrows, with some questioning the appropriateness of such comments and the level of influence exerted by political figures behind the scenes.
Starmer’s close consultation with past Labour leaders and key figures underscores the challenges he faces in shaping his leadership style and political agenda while balancing the expectations of various factions within the party.