Attorney General Lord Hermer Defends Sir Keir Starmer Amidst Leadership Challenges, Underestimated Prime Minister

Attorney General Lord Hermer has asserted that Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, possesses the resilience to survive any leadership challenge, characterising him as consistently underestimated throughout his career.

Starmer's Past Triumphs and Current Struggles

Lord Hermer, a long-time associate of Sir Keir dating back to their barrister days at Doughty Street Chambers in 1996, stated in an interview that Sir Keir has a history of proving critics wrong. This sentiment comes as Sir Keir faces heightened scrutiny following Labour's substantial losses in the Welsh Senedd and nearly 1,500 council seats across England earlier this month. The electoral setbacks prompted calls for his resignation and saw several junior ministers, including former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, depart the government.

Burnham's Westminster Ambitions Resurface

The political landscape is further complicated by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, widely considered a potential frontrunner in any future leadership contest, who is now campaigning for the Makerfield by-election on 18 June. This marks Burnham's second attempt to return to Westminster after his previous bid for the Gorton and Denton by-election in February was blocked by Labour's National Executive Committee, resulting in the Green Party winning the seat. Lord Hermer, while refusing to engage in 'speculation' regarding Burnham's ambitions, expressed strong support for his Makerfield candidacy, describing him as a 'brilliant candidate' whose presence would benefit the Parliamentary Labour Party.

A Vision for Equality and Resilience

Addressing criticisms, including those from former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, concerning a perceived lack of vision, Lord Hermer insisted that Sir Keir maintains a clear commitment to equality and opportunity. He described Sir Keir as 'the most resilient person' he has ever encountered, undeterred by the current political turbulence. Lord Hermer concluded by reiterating Sir Keir's mandate from the general election and his 'absolute determination to better this country', emphasising a vision where 'everybody in life has to be given a fair crack of the whip' regardless of background.