'Was It Worth Getting Rid Of Starmer?' BBC Host Torches Chancellor Over Lacklustre Budget

The BBC’s Nick Robinson asked chancellor John Healey if the coup to remove Keir Starmer was “worth” it after the chancellor unveiled a rather unambitious Budget . Healey resigned as Starmer’s defence secretary in June after a disagreement with the-then prime minister over spending on Britain’s armed forces. The move was the catalyst for Starmer’s resignation and paved the way for Andy Burnham to replace him in No.10. When the new PM unexpectedly appointed Healey as his chancellor, it suggested the new government was going to prioritise defence spending.

Burnham has also frequently lamented the last “40 years of neoliberalism” politicians have put the UK through. However, Healey’s maiden Budget yesterday has been widely criticised for putting off the hard decisions and spreading cost of living support “too thinly”. So in an interview with the chancellor, Robinson questioned why Starmer was even removed. “Andy Burnham launched a coup against a man elected with a vast majority,” the presenter began.

“Was it really worth getting rid of Keir Starmer for this? “It’s not exactly the transformation of Britain that was promised, tearing up 40 years of economic, social and political policy was it?” “I think people were looking for change,” Healey replied. “I think people have responded to the new prime minister well. “I think he’s setting out a direction for Britain that people can see and understand. “I think the important thing for me is that this is a government in the second half of parliament.

“People are willing to give us a fresh hearing and we have to meet the moment and help them with the pressures they feel, I look to do that with the help in the Budget, on fuel duty freeze, on energy costs, on other things that can help with the everyday fixes in life. “But also do some of the changes that this country needs for the longer term.” Tory leader Kemi Badenoch also mocked the Budget for not actually delivering on Labour’s pledges.

She said: “The prime minister came to power promising to end 40 years of neoliberalism, and instead we got 4p off gherkins.” Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.