Labour now has a leader that looks like they could be PM, claims Tony Blair

Keir Starmer at PMQs in the House of Commons. Photograph: Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament. - Credit: Archant

Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair has praised Keir Starmer for coming across as a politician who ‘looks as if he could be prime minister’.

In comments made before Rebecca Long-Bailey’s sacking was announced, Blair praised Sir Keir Starmer’s start as Labour leader, claiming he had made the party ‘less toxic’.

He told an event hosted by Reuters: ‘Keir will know this as well as anyone, there is a long way to go but he has made a very good start, he has made good decisions inside the Labour Party, he is performing well, he is obviously a highly intelligent and capable guy.

‘That’s been a big change and if we carry on like that and then develop the right policy agenda – which he has got time to do – then we will have a fighting chance, for sure.

‘At least we are back on the pitch, which is a welcome thing.’


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He added: ‘I think the culture is a lot, lot less toxic. I think people are basically wanting and willing to give Keir a chance.’