In a speech at Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer vows to restore integrity to government operations while addressing accusations of cronyism and facing calls for an inquiry

As the parliamentary season resumes, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to address the mounting controversy surrounding cronyism in his government. In a speech delivered in the Rose Garden of Number 10, Starmer will underscore his commitment to restoring ethical standards and putting Downing Street back in service to the public.

Starmer’s remarks come amid increasing scrutiny over his administration’s appointments and potential conflicts of interest. The Prime Minister has faced criticism for allegedly appointing individuals with personal connections or significant donations to the Labour Party. Most notably, accusations have emerged that Lord Alli, Starmer’s largest personal donor, received a special security pass to Number 10, a detail the Prime Minister and his chief of staff, Sue Gray, have yet to fully address.

On Monday, Starmer also cancelled the appointment of the next national security adviser, a position previously selected by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The move has fueled speculation that Starmer may choose a candidate more aligned with Labour’s political priorities. Additionally, Starmer’s Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has faced backlash over the appointment of Ian Corfield, a Labour donor, to a temporary role within the Treasury. Although Corfield was later reassigned to an unpaid political adviser role, the controversy highlights ongoing concerns about the fairness and transparency of public appointments.

The Prime Minister’s speech aims to pivot away from the scandals of the past, particularly referencing the “lockdown-breaking parties” that marred the tenure of previous Conservative administrations. Starmer is expected to reassure the public that his government will prioritize the needs of working people and uphold high moral standards in governance.

In his address, Starmer will acknowledge that while his administration will not be flawless, it is committed to serving the public with integrity. He will emphasize that the government is dedicated to tackling the “rot” inherited from the previous Conservative leadership, with a focus on addressing economic challenges, reforming public services, and ensuring that taxpayers’ money is used effectively.

The speech will also address broader concerns about political integrity, with Starmer pledging to tackle corruption and improve transparency in public appointments. This commitment comes at a time when calls for an inquiry into the cronyism allegations are gaining momentum. The new Commons public administration committee, expected to be appointed next month, may investigate whether the rules governing external appointments have been adhered to.

Former chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, Sir Alistair Graham, has expressed disappointment at the perceived lapses in ethical standards within the new Labour government. He has urged the administration to take these issues seriously to avoid repeating the mistakes of its predecessors.

Starmer’s speech will also touch upon the challenging decisions facing his government, including potential tax rises and public spending cuts. He will outline his vision for reforming the planning system, enhancing workers’ rights, improving border security, tackling crime, and transforming public transport. Starmer aims to reassure the public that his administration is committed to delivering substantive changes that benefit all citizens.

SKY NEWS

In his upcoming keynote speech, Sir Keir Starmer will outline his plan to address the UK’s economic and societal issues, emphasizing a commitment to “fix the foundations” of the country. Starmer will acknowledge the severe state of the public finances, attributed to a decade of Conservative governance, and pledge to tackle these problems head-on.

Starmer will highlight the need to reverse “14 years of rot” and address the “societal black hole” left by the previous administration. He promises to focus on protecting living standards, reforming planning systems, enhancing workers’ rights, and improving public services, including border security and transport.

Despite the positive economic indicators, such as lower unemployment and falling inflation, Starmer’s speech will manage expectations by warning that conditions may worsen before they improve. This approach is intended to set realistic timelines for recovery and buy time for the government to implement its policies.

Speculation is growing that Chancellor Rachel Reeves may announce tax increases in the October budget, potentially targeting higher-income individuals despite Labour’s previous pledge to avoid raising levies on “working people.”

Starmer will aim to reassure the public by demonstrating that his government is focused on long-term solutions and dedicated to serving hardworking citizens.

THE TELEGRAPH

In a pivotal speech scheduled for Tuesday, Sir Keir Starmer will commit to reforming Downing Street and addressing accusations of cronyism within his government. Speaking in the Rose Garden of No 10, Starmer will contrast his administration with the previous Conservative one, which faced criticism for hosting “lockdown-breaking parties.”

Starmer is under scrutiny following revelations that his major donor, Lord Alli, received a rare No 10 security pass, raising questions about the adherence to external appointment rules. The Prime Minister has also faced criticism for alleged cronyism regarding the appointment of Labour donors and aides to government positions, including the temporary placement of Ian Corfield, a significant Labour donor, in a Treasury role.

Starmer will address these issues head-on, promising to root out the “rot” inherited from the Conservatives and to prioritize transparency and integrity in his administration. He will emphasize that while the government will not always be perfect, it is committed to serving the public and avoiding the “politics of performance, papering over the cracks, or division and distraction.”

Additionally, Starmer is expected to outline tough decisions ahead, including potential tax increases or spending cuts, as part of his broader agenda to “fix the foundations” of the UK economy and improve public services. He will stress that his government will focus on long-term solutions, reinforcing its commitment to working people and rejecting past practices of the previous administration.