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Monday, 5 January 2026

My experience as PM



My experience as PM is of frustration at a whole bunch of regulations, consultations and ALBs’


After about a year and a half in the country’s top job, Keir Starmer has told a committee of MPs about the biggest operational challenges he has so far encountered

“My experience now as prime minister is of frustration that every time I go to pull a lever there are a whole bunch of regulations, consultations, arm’s-length bodies that mean that the action from pulling the lever to delivery is longer than I think it ought to be, which is among the reasons why I want to cut down on regulation, generally and within government,” he added.



Presumably the EU doesn't count as a conglomeration of "arm's-length bodies". Maybe the length of the arms makes a difference - many kilometres long in the case of the EU.

7 comments:

DiscoveredJoys said...

What would Trump do? While Keir Stumbler might not have the formal authority of a President my belief is that he chooses to work within the rules rather than dismantle (or even ignore) the ones that prevent him from doing things.

Although we might end up being grateful for the red tape foiling his ardent desires.

DEARIEME said...

It's time to say the unsaid: is it simply that Sir Jetalot is a bloody fool?

The Jannie said...

A lefty criticising legislation? What's the world coming to? Is there an F in hypocrisy because if so it needs to be a capital...

Vatsmith said...

He's been an MP for ten years and only now he's finding out how government works?

A K Haart said...

DJ - "Although we might end up being grateful for the red tape foiling his ardent desires."
Yes, that's the uncomfortable angle to Starmer as PM, his replacement may be less rule-bound.

dearieme - it can come across as too dismissive, but there isn't much to suggest he isn't a bloody fool.

Jannie - like leaves on the line, it must be the wrong type of socialism.

Vatsmith - good point, yes it's inexcusable as he's had years to find out how the processes work.

Peter MacFarlane said...

"...there are [sic] a whole bunch of regulations, consultations, arm’s-length bodies..."

Poor fellow, one must sympathise. If only here were, you know, in charge or something, he'd be able to do something about it.

A K Haart said...

Peter - he could always make the tea and supply biscuits for Cabinet meetings. Jammie Dodgers would be suitable.