Labour can stem populist threat by improving lives, says Starmer

Leader vows his party would work to restore faith in politics

- Pippa Crerar

Keir Starmer has warned that a new Labour government would have to stave off a rise of the populist right by urgently restoring faith in British politics through "deeds, not words" and making a material difference to people's lives.

As the election campaign enters its final days, the Labour leader said that while "hope has been kicked out" of people, his plans for economic growth across the country, the NHS and the transition to renewables could help bring it back.

He vowed to bring an end to "divisive and toxic" culture wars that have beset the country if he makes it to No 10 and hold his ministers to high standards, with even the most senior figures sacked for serious breaches.

But in an interview with the Guardian, Starmer warned that a failure to address the disillusionment in British politics could result in a rise of the hard right as witnessed in France and other European countries.

"It's no good saying: 'Well, I don't like the rise of populism and nationalism.' You have to understand why that's happening," he said. "It's based in this disaffection, this sense that politics cannot be a force for good and you can't trust politicians." Starmer and the other party leaders, including Rishi Sunak, will spend the final few days of the campaign traversing the country, before what is expected to be a once-in-a-generation result ushering in a Labour government.

The final Opinium poll for the Observer showed Labour retained its lead over the Conservatives unchanged on 40% while the Tories are on 20%-enough to deliver a large majority if replicated on polling day.