‘A mess of our own making’: Labour mayors reflect on Starmer’s first year

Keir Starmer’s administration has been criticized as “disjointed” from the wider Labour party by regional mayors just one year into its tenure, with blame being placed on No 10 for overseeing a series of missteps. Steve Rotheram, the Labour mayor of Liverpool city region, highlighted Downing Street’s repeated errors that have frustrated those looking to support the government. Rotheram expressed that while occasional mistakes are forgivable, the backtracking on policies such as winter fuel payments and the welfare bill has left Starmer’s government looking disorganized.

The former MP turned mayor, who took office in 2017, remarked that the government seemed out of sync with the rest of the Labour party. Rotheram emphasized the need for better connectivity within the party and suggested that listening to the voices within the party could have helped avoid some of the self-inflicted issues. Tracy Brabin, the Labour mayor of West Yorkshire, stressed the importance of devolving power as a central aspect of Starmer’s leadership. According to Brabin, the devolution carried out by mayors has significantly benefited communities by fostering growth and hope.

Oliver Coppard, the Labour mayor of South Yorkshire, echoed the call for more investment in frontline policing and the cultural sector. Coppard noted that the government under Starmer appeared more engaged and willing to listen compared to previous experiences. The mayor hoped for continued progress in South Yorkshire, emphasizing that what benefits the region positively impacts the country as a whole. Angela Rayner, the local government secretary, announced plans to extend devolution across England, starting with new combined authorities in six regions set to elect metro mayors in May 2026.

The move towards devolution could potentially herald a significant shift in power away from Whitehall, according to the Institute for Government. Rotheram urged Starmer’s government to utilize existing mayors more effectively to showcase the party’s accomplishments and economic competence. By working closely with mayors, the party can demonstrate its commitment to empowering local communities and driving positive change

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