FRUITS OF LABOUR

Starmer is an uncharismatic leader, but an efficient manager. And there's serious work to do

- ANITA PRATAP

Sometimes, small changes herald big revolutions. The makeover of a black-and-white tiled Edwardian toilet proclaimed a momentous transformation in Britain. The urinal was removed and feminine hygiene products were placed in the private toilet of the incoming chancellor (finance minister) in Whitehall, Britain’s seat of power. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer appointed Rachel Reeves his chancellor, making her the first woman in the post since the office was created 800 years ago.

Starmer’s cabinet is as historic as his landslide with the Labour Party winning 412 seats in the 650-member parliament. Yet he struck a humble but significant note: “Public service is a privilege. Self-interest is yesterday’s politics.”

Starmer’s decisions are based on data and evidence. He appointed Patrick Vallance, nicknamed “Dr Doom” for his dire warnings during Covid, as his science minister. “Keir practises politics exactly the way he practises law,” said Lord Ken Macdonald, Starmer’s predecessor as director of public prosecution. “Process matters. There are no fireworks, but he won cases with quiet persuasiveness, command of facts and attention to detail.”

Starmer is interested in fixing problems, not winning TV ratings. Rising crime was a huge election issue. British prisons are so overcrowded that authorities are releasing prisoners who should be in jail. Starmer appointed James Timpson, the owner of a key-cutting and shoe-repairing firm, as the new prisons minister. Timpson’s firm employs former convicts since 2008, re-training them with skills useful for society.