UK PM rejects plot rumours, vows to lead Labour Party in 2029 race

United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed confidence that he will remain in office until the next general election, due no later than August 2029, despite media reports of an alleged internal plot against him within the ruling Labour Party.

In an interview with The Daily Mirror, when asked whether he would lead Labour in the next election, Starmer replied affirmatively, saying, “Yes, I will lead the party."

“Let me be really clear - every minute that's not spent talking about and dealing with the cost of living is a minute wasted of the political work of this Government. That's my response to last week. I remain utterly focused on what matters to me most, which is bearing down on the cost of living and making people feel better off,” he said.

Starmer said he is deeply aware that people want to advance in life, improve their prospects and have enough income to enjoy the things that matter to them — from treating their children to going out for a meal, taking a holiday, and feeling safe and secure.

He noted that these are fundamental human needs that shape how individuals view themselves, their families and their communities.

PM added that the Government’s work is focused on making people better off, and that every minute spent on other issues is a minute not devoted to that goal.

His remarks come shortly before next week’s pivotal Budget, as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves works to address a significant shortfall in the public finances.

Reeves had strongly hinted at a possible rise in income tax, which would have marked a break from Labour’s manifesto pledge.

However, it emerged last week that she had dropped the idea following more favourable economic projections — a decision that subsequently unsettled the markets.

Keir Starmer was born on September 2, 1962, in London and raised in Surrey. His father worked as a toolmaker, and his mother was a nurse in the NHS. He was named after early Labour leader J. Keir Hardie.

Before entering politics, Starmer had a distinguished legal career, specialising in human-rights law and serving as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2008 to 2013.

He was elected as Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras in 2015 and became Leader of the Labour Party in 2020.

Since July 2024, he has served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, leading Labour after its victory in the general election.

By Jeyhun Aghazada