Change is coming in 2026, Starmer vows

Sir Keir Starmer is promising that the change he pledged to deliver in the 2024 election will finally arrive in 2026.

In his New Year's address, the prime minister accepted that his government had not yet delivered on the promise plastered on the front of their manifesto. Sir Keir admitted that "for many, life is still harder than it should be" and they had been left without the money for a "meal out" or "a holiday" or a "chance to make a special family moment extra special".

????Listen to Politics at Sam and Anne's on your podcast app???? The prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted and faces rumours of leadership challenges, said 2026 will be the year things change. "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," he said.

"But even more people will feel once again a sense of hope, a belief that things can and will get better, feel that the promise of renewal can become a reality, and my government will make it that reality. "More police on the streets by March.

"Energy bills down and the number of new health hubs up in April. "More funding for local communities.

"And with that change, decline will be reversed." The prime minister positioned his government as being one to "reverse a decade of decline" under the Conservatives. But he confirmed a renewal was "not an overnight job" and the "challenges we face were decades in the making".

Read more:Half of voters think Starmer will be replaced in 2026Which PM history had the worst Christmas Day in history? As well as political jeopardy, Sir Keir also had to face the sluggish economic growth in the UK and worldwide, alongside an unstable international picture on several fronts. He, however, vowed to get Britain "back on track".

Elsewhere, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch attempted humour in her New Year's message. She said: "There is a lot to look forward to this year.

No, not Labour's tax rises! "But a Winter Olympics, a World Cup, and for political geeks, local elections!" Ms Badenoch then lamented factors like low economic growth, higher taxes and unemployment figures in 2025, adding it was "difficult for many people". She added her party was working on a "Get Britain Working again" plan centred on supporting businesses.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, meanwhile, celebrated his party's performance in the local elections back in May, and looked forward to a successful performance in this year's round of council and assembly votes. "We can win again in 2026 - in Scotland, Wales and across England," he said.

"To stop Trump's America becoming Farage's Britain. And change our country for the better.".