At the annual conference of the Institute for Government (IFG), Labour’s health secretary, Wes Streeting, delivered a speech urging his party to take ownership of its potential to effect change. While he did not mention Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer directly, his words suggested an undercurrent of dissent regarding the current leadership.
Taking Charge of Change
Streeting emphasized that the Labour Party should not consider itself powerless against external forces. He declared, “Our fortunes are in our hands.” He advocated for the centre-left’s belief in the state’s ability to radically improve citizens’ lives.
Building Leverage and Overcoming Barriers
In his address, Streeting articulated a proactive approach to governance: “Where there aren’t levers, we build them. Where there are barriers, we bulldoze them.” He identified the reform of public services as a significant challenge facing society today, asserting that the consequences of failure in this domain have contributed to growing disillusionment and the rise of populist movements.
Engaging with Democracy
During a question-and-answer session, Streeting raised concerns about public disillusionment with democracy. He warned against giving citizens the impression that their votes are meaningless if politicians claim they have no agency to implement change. “Why bother voting?” he posed, highlighting the urgent need for the government to be confident and value-driven.
| Key Points from Streeting’s Speech |
|---|
| The power to change lies within Labour’s reach. |
| Public service reform is a critical challenge. |
| Public cynicism can lead to populist sentiments. |
| Government must project confidence and assert values. |
Call for Cultural Shift
Echoing Streeting’s sentiments, Dame Louise Casey, who was appointed by Sir Keir to implement his “plan for change,” urged the government to “just stop” lamenting the difficulties of initiating change. Casey called for a shift in the culture within civil service, promoting a “grip it and fix it” mentality to drive progress.
As the Labour Party navigates its internal challenges, Streeting’s remarks may serve as both a call to action and a critique of current leadership approaches. The emphasis on agency and the need for reform could determine Labour’s direction moving forward.
