Prime Minister Keir Starmer is launching a concerted new year effort to mend frayed ties with both the public and his own parliamentary party, centring his message on concrete plans to reduce the cost of living.
The 'Year of Proof' Pledge
In a forthcoming speech and his new year message, Starmer will declare that 2026 will be the year voters begin to feel tangible improvements in their daily finances. His chief adviser, Morgan McSweeney, has privately termed the coming months "the year of proof", a period focused on delivery rather than new promises.
"In 2026, the choices we’ve made will mean more people will begin to feel positive change in your bills, your communities and your health service," Starmer stated. He added that his government's goal was to restore a "sense of hope" and make the "promise of renewal" a reality for the country.
Targeting Household Finances
The Prime Minister's immediate focus will be on highlighting recent economic shifts and upcoming policy changes. He is set to emphasise recent interest rate cuts that have brought mortgage costs to their lowest level since 2022.
A central pillar of the push will be the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, with the government planning to introduce a standalone bill to parliament next week to enact the change. Furthermore, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is finalising a £13bn warm homes plan.
This energy strategy will pivot towards green technology like solar panels and batteries, moving away from the scrapped energy companies obligation (Eco) scheme's focus on insulation. A key measure will be scrapping regulations that prevent people from plugging solar panels into domestic plug sockets, a method common in Germany. Officials estimate these changes will save energy users an average of £138.
Charm Offensive Amid Internal Discontent
Recognising significant challenges, Starmer will couple his public messaging with a private charm offensive aimed at his own MPs. He has invited Labour parliamentarians to a series of receptions at his Chequers country residence throughout January and February.
This move comes as the Prime Minister faces severe headwinds. He enters 2026 as the least popular prime minister ever recorded in some polls, with Labour anticipating heavy losses in May's Scottish and Welsh elections, where Reform UK threatens to defeat them.
Many MPs returning from their constituencies report confronting "real levels of hostility" from voters angered by early policy decisions. This discontent is mirrored within Westminster, where some MPs feel sidelined. "The parliamentary Labour party has a wealth of skills and experience which are being ignored," one MP said, calling the approach "bizarre." Another invited to Chequers dismissed the idea, stating the prospect of "making small talk and pretending everything is fine" was unappealing.
Despite the internal friction, Starmer's team believes the tangible effects of their first 18 months in power will soon begin to shift public opinion. The Prime Minister concluded his message with a defiant note aimed at political rivals: "We are getting Britain back on track. By staying the course, we will defeat the decline and division offered by others."
