Has Starmer Changed the UK for Good?

No one denies that the Labour government inherited a dire situation: a £22bn fiscal shortfall and public services exhausted after years of Conservative cuts and short-termist decision-making. By the end of 2024, the cost of living had reached a historic peak and public trust in politicians had collapsed. Two Labour Budgets have seen big tax rises blamed for strangling growth. But beyond the economy, does Keir Starmer head toward the Christmas break with any of the promised “change” to point to?

The Renters’ Rights Act, passed in October, and the Railways Bill currently progressing through Parliament are both examples of the transformative agenda Labour committed to. From next May, renters will gain stronger rights, better protections and greater stability in their homes. This includes ending ‘no-fault’ evictions, introducing fairer rent rules, and relaxing restrictions on pets.

Early next year, the Railways Bill will continue its passage through Parliament, and more Train Operating Companies are expected to come under DfTO. There is broad cross-party agreement that rail reform is essential, and consensus, that after the usual rounds of parliamentary ping pong, this legislation is almost guaranteed to pass.

At the same time, the Employment Rights Bill is also due to become law by the spring which, despite some concessions on day one rights, still represents a major overhaul in favour of workers. Ministers also talk endlessly of millions of NHS appointments and school breakfast clubs.

So a lot has been done. However, chronically poor opinion polling and substantial projected losses in the 2026 local elections expose the government’s Achilles’ heel: communications. Starmer’s senior team has experienced repeated reshuffles, with Communications Directors departing in rapid succession; instability that has seeped into the messages reaching voters.

WFW argues that it is far too early to judge this government’s record on meaningful reform, particularly if the aim is genuine long-term investment and structural renewal. But if it wants to get some credit with the public, we would advise a clearer, more disciplined, and crucially more optimistic communications strategy as new laws begin to take effect.