Yvette Cooper Criticises Keir Starmer’s Leadership and Calls for a New Approach under Andy Burnham

Former Home Secretary and current Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said Labour “hasn’t done government very well” in the two years since the party’s 2024 general-election landslide. She highlighted achievements such as adding roughly 3,000 neighbourhood police officers and reductions in NHS waiting lists, but argued that the government’s focus shifted after an initial “mission-driven” period. Cooper’s remarks were made during an interview on the *Political Currency* podcast hosted by former chancellor George Osborne.

Yvette Cooper launches vicious attack on Keir Starmer as PM and admits Labour 'hasn't done government very well'

Cooper described Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s approach as demanding ministers “bring me solutions, not problems,” a style she suggested does not translate well to politics. She contrasted this with the leadership of newly elected Prime Minister Andy Burnham, whom she praised for encouraging open discussion of problems and collaborative problem-solving, especially on social-care policy. Cooper said Burnham’s “passionate” and “discursive” method fosters engagement that she believes is needed to drive change.

Yvette Cooper launches vicious attack on Keir Starmer as PM and admits Labour 'hasn't done government very well'

Cooper recounted being sidelined from the launch of a key immigration white paper in May 2025 while serving as Home Secretary. She explained that the policy, developed in the Home Office, was presented by Starmer without her participation, illustrating what she termed the “No 10 operated” practice of having the prime minister front major announcements. On social care, Cooper said Burnham’s recent speech signalled a willingness to build a national consensus around reform, and she advocated reviving Sure Start-style children’s centres—programmes cut during former Chancellor Osborne’s tenure—to support young families.

The Guardian

Cooper’s critique underscores internal tensions within Labour over leadership style and policy ownership. By emphasizing a more inclusive, problem-focused approach, she signals a shift toward consensus-building on social-care reform and a possible re-evaluation of immigration strategy under Burnham’s premiership. The debate highlights how differing leadership philosophies may shape Labour’s ability to implement its agenda in the coming years.

The Guardian