Starmer never 'signed off' to Corbyn's agenda, says senior ally

Pat McFadden has defended Sir Keir Starmer's decision not to leave Jeremy Corbyn's top team. Photo: Thomas Kraich/Avalon

Sir Keir Starmer never «signed up to Jeremy Corbyn's left-wing agenda» despite serving in his shadow cabinet for four years, a senior ally has said.

Pat McFadden, Labour's election campaign coordinator, said it was «implausible» to suggest that Sir Keir shared the views of Mr Corbyn's predecessor.

He defended Sir Keir's decision not to leave Mr Corbyn's senior team, saying that he had abandoned his «sense of duty» to change the party.

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The statement came after Richard Holden, the Conservative Party chairman, said the next election would be a «referendum» on Sir Keir's support Corbyn's program.

Mr McFadden served as a minister under Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. , but did not take on a shadow cabinet role under Ed Miliband or Corbyn.

Times Radio asked a party veteran whether Sir Keir's decision to serve under Corbyn was Labour's main weakness.

He replied: “It's been a difficult period for the people in the Labor Party, and people made different decisions. I think he was driven by a sense of duty. The idea that he actually signed up for the whole Corbyn project I don't find plausible.

«The serious point, whatever choice people make, is this: it is undeniable that three and a half years after Keir became leader, the situation has changed.»

Mr McFadden praised Sir Keir for turning around the Labor Party's fortunes after it suffered its worst election result since 1935 under Mr Corbyn in 2019.

He said Sir Keir had led the party out of the «narcissism of petty differences», adding: «A few years ago you might have heard of Blairites and Brownites in the Labor Party. It's a meaningless distinction now — we support our leader.»

The Tories have weaponized Sir Keir's decision to remain in Corbyn's shadow cabinet, arguing it shows he is unfit to lead the country.

< Sir Keir served as shadow Brexit secretary from 2015 until Corbyn resigned in 2020. He said he decided not to leave because he believed he could serve the country better by staying and influencing Labour's position on Brexit.

But Mr Holden said: “Keir Starmer sat cheek by jowl with Jeremy Corbyn in this shadow cabinet for four years. There is a big difference between someone who is actually willing to take a principled stand and what Keir Starmer offers the country.

“This general election will really be a referendum on whether you want this person to be yours.” Prime Minister.» when he supported Jeremy Corbyn in two general elections.»