Starmer pledges to ‘fight for values’ in local elections

Sir Keir Starmer will pledge to “fight for our values” in a volatile world as he kicks off Labour’s local election campaign on Monday.

Labour approaches the May 7 elections struggling in the polls and facing challenges from both Reform UK to the right and a resurgent Green Party to the left.

But despite predictions of heavy losses, the Prime Minister is expected to begin the campaign urging the country to “stand together” under Labour’s election slogan: “Pride in Britain.”

He will say: “This is about pride and hope.

“That is the political choice in this election.

“Our opponents respond to this war on two fronts by dividing our communities.

“We meet this test by unlocking the pride that is our communities.”

Joined by deputy leader Lucy Powell and his Cabinet colleagues, Sir Keir is expected to tell the launch event in the West Midlands: “We’re going to fight to earn every vote. Fight for our values. And fight for the country we are building together, a Britain built for all.

“Because, in the context of everything that is happening in the world.

“Those values, that fairness we stand for, it’s never been more important.”

May’s local elections represent a major test for the Prime Minister, with some warning a disastrous result could spell the end of his premiership.

Pollster Lord Robert Hayward warned earlier in March that Labour faced a “very substantial” threat, especially following a series of “absolutely horrendous” council by-election results.

But Sir Keir will hope that a series of measures intended to help with the cost of living, including a lower energy price cap and an increase in the minimum wage, will translate into votes.

He will say: “We meet this moment with hope.

“The hope of an NHS where waiting lists are coming down – and they are.

“The hope of a country where wages for working people are rising – and they are.

“And the hope of a country where poverty is being slashed and our children have a better future – and it is.

“That is what we are building. That is what we are fighting for.”

Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: “Under Labour, Britain isn’t working.

“Rachel Reeves has stifled growth with her tax hikes and economic incompetence.

“Keir Starmer is too distracted by threats from within his own party to focus on his job.

“And Ed Miliband, who is running the country, has sacrificed our energy security on the altar of his net-zero zealotry.

“Labour have nothing to offer hardworking families and businesses other than higher taxes to pay for higher welfare.

“At the local level, council tax is soaring on Labour’s watch, leaving residents paying more and getting less.”