Attorney General Lord Hermer Defends Sir Keir Starmer Leadership Amidst Election Losses

Sir Keir Starmer possesses the resilience to navigate and overcome any forthcoming leadership challenges, according to Attorney General Lord Hermer, a close associate. Speaking in his first public interview since Starmer's 2024 general election victory, Lord Hermer asserted that the Prime Minister has consistently been underestimated throughout his career.

The friendship between Sir Keir and Lord Hermer dates back to 1996, when both practised as human rights barristers at Doughty Street Chambers. Following his landslide win, Sir Keir appointed Lord Hermer as the government's chief legal adviser.

However, the Labour Party recently endured substantial electoral defeats, losing control of the Welsh Senedd and approximately 1,500 council seats in England. These outcomes have intensified calls for Sir Keir's resignation and led to the departure of former Health Secretary Wes Streeting and several junior ministers from the government.

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and a prominent figure considered a frontrunner in any potential leadership contest, is now seeking a return to Westminster in the Makerfield by-election this month. His previous attempt to re-enter Parliament in the Gorton and Denton by-election earlier in the year was blocked by Labour's National Executive Committee, with the seat subsequently falling to the Green Party.

Addressing the Prime Minister's resolve, Lord Hermer remarked, "Keir has consistently been underestimated... and he has always proven his critics wrong." He cited Starmer's effectiveness as Director of Public Prosecutions and his successful leadership of the Labour Party to victory in 2024, despite initial scepticism.

While declining to speculate on Burnham's ambitions, Lord Hermer expressed his strong desire for a Labour victory in Makerfield, describing Burnham as a "brilliant candidate" whose presence would benefit the Parliamentary Labour Party. He affirmed that Sir Keir remains the leader and Prime Minister, holding a clear mandate and an "absolute determination to better this country." Lord Hermer also dismissed suggestions that Sir Keir was angered by recent events, instead characterising him as exceptionally resilient.

Contradicting criticism from former Labour Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair regarding a perceived lack of vision, Lord Hermer maintained that Sir Keir possesses a clear national vision rooted in equality and respect. He elaborated, "everybody in life has to be given a fair crack of the whip... you should be able to realise your potential in life," irrespective of background or parental wealth.