Starmer's make or break speech: Will it save him?
5/11/202650 min
It's always risky when a Prime Minister's speech becomes billed as a 'reset' and 'make or break' but Keir Starmer's address this morning was exactly that.
Facing a surprise possible leadership challenge from backbencher Catherine West - and a growing number of MPS in open mutiny - Starmer insisted he would prove his doubters wrong, face any contest head on, and keep Britain from ushering in "dangerous opponents".
It didn't seem to win too many of his parliamentary colleagues round - indeed as soon as he'd finished the drip drip of MPs demanding he set a timetable for his departure continued. But has it been enough to stop serious contenders - like Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner - from coming forward? Or are they just waiting for the right moment?
Later, Emily and Lewis speak to London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan about where Labour goes now.
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Transcript preview
First 90 secondsBethenny Frankel0:00
[digital music] This is a Global Player original podcast.
Lewis Goodall· Host0:05
Soon as you're into make or break speech territory, it's always break.
Keir Starmer· Soundbite0:09
That hurts.
Speaker 30:10
In the speech is a start. I, I think people don't want words, they want evidence of action.
Emily Maitlis· Host0:16
If he wanted a square fight, you know, go and choose a reform seat.
Speaker 30:19
I think they've gotta be a bit careful at changing a leader.
Lewis Goodall· Host0:22
You can't fatten the pig on market day.
Emily Maitlis· Host0:24
If Wes has the numbers, he will go for it today.
Keir Starmer· Soundbite0:26
Uh, the election results last week were tough. Very tough. We lost some brilliant Labour representatives. That hurts, and it should hurt. I get it. I feel it. And I take responsibility.
Emily Maitlis· Host0:48
But does he? Does he get it? Does he feel it? And does he really take responsibility? More importantly, can he convince his party and the country that he does?
Lewis Goodall· Host0:59
This was billed as a make or break moment for the Keir Starmer premiership, but no sooner had he sat down that more Labour MPs were calling for him to go. Is it already all over for Keir Starmer? Welcome to the News Agents.
Bethenny Frankel1:15
[upbeat music] The News Agents.
Emily Maitlis· Host1:21
It's Maitlis.
Lewis Goodall· Host1:24
It's Lewis. And the Prime Minister waited the weekend to give a