Things can only get… worse? Keir Starmer to manage expectations in first keynote speech as PM
Messaging is a key weapon in any government’s armoury.
Back in 2010 the new coalition spent the first few months re-iterating the line that Labour had caused economic chaos, aided by the famous note “there is no money left”.
It was so successful that some political analysis believe it was a big factor in helping David Cameron get re-elected some five year later.
Labour have learnt that lesson, so Sir Keir Starmer‘s message from his first keynote speech as prime minister on Tuesday is fundamentally about expectation management.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
‘Hunt lied over state of public finances’
He will warn life in the UK is “going to get worse” before it improves and things are “worse than we ever imagined”.
In contrast to the cheering 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 how tough this will be. Frankly – things will get worse before we get better.”
Whether things are worse than anyone ever thought before the election is a moot political point.
👉 Click here to follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts 👈
In some areas things are clearly very difficult: Prisons, the asylum system and public finances are clearly under enormous strain.
It is sensible for Labour, prudent in fact to point out that any change will take time.
And in theory if the messaging lands well, it should buy them some time and space with voters not to expect immediate improvements.
Prime Minister David Cameron holds up a note Liam Byrne left on his Treasury desk after Labour’s 2010 election defeat. Pic: PA
Starmer will speak of the “rot set deep in the heart of the foundations of our country under previous Tory governments” and Labour will be hoping that they will be the beneficiaries of any, and all improvements.
Read more:
Judges told to push back sentences amid prison overcrowding
Election betting scandal investigation dropped
Frankly the macro-economic picture in the UK is pretty good. migration figures are beginning to fall, unemployment remains low. The inheritance is not all bad, don’t be surprised if Labour start to claim some of these successes when the election date fades in people’s minds.
Ultimately no government can get away from the reality of people’s lives and the problems people face.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
But if they can manage exceptions, if they can frame narratives, history suggests this tactic can help governments beat their political foes in the future.
So Sir Keir will be hoping that voters take note of his speech not just this week but in the years to come too.
Crystal Palace are celebrating a historic win in the FA Cup after a 1-0 victory against Manchester City at Wembley.
It’s the south London club’s first major trophy – and third time lucky after losing two previous finals they have played in. The win also means Palace have qualified for next season’s Europa League.
Eberechi Eze put his side 1-0 up with the game’s only goal in the 16th minute.
Man City were given a chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute, but Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson – who had earlier escaped a red card for a handball outside the box – saved Omar Marmoush’s spot kick.
Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze scores. Pic: PA
Man City’s Omar Marmoush after his penalty was saved. Pic: PA
It briefly seemed the south London team had gone 2-0 up after a 58th-minute strike from Daniel Munoz but the goal was quickly ruled offside.
They then held onto their 1-0 lead until the final whistle, which came after an agonising 10 minutes of injury time.
Dean Henderson dodged a red card and saved a penalty. Pic: PA
Oliver Glasner’s team were the underdogs despite Manchester City having had a difficult season in the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola’s side also lost to their neighbours and rivals Manchester United in last year’s cup final.
‘It’s all about spirit’
Palace goalscorer Eze said he had “no words” as he celebrated with his team mates.
Eze celebrates after the final whistle. Pic: PA
“I can only thank God,” he told ITV. “This is special, this is what dreams are made of, for this club as well. Who would have thought we could do it?
“We’ve made history today. The tactics were good but it’s all about spirit. That’s energy, that’s everyone fighting together and doing what we had to do today.”
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business3 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway