As the UK’s Labour Party strategises its resurgence in the coming general election, its plan is to cause a Tory defeat in areas like Lancing – a usually sturdy Conservative region that has now become a battleground of sorts.
Keir Starmer, known for his steady approach, visited this rather humble, slightly worn-down English seaside town to make his first significant campaign speech, a subtle first reveal to the UK voters.
While there were no dramatic revelations, the reserved contender for the prime minister’s role detailed more of his political intentions – a halt to Westminster’s tumult and more stability, prioritising key issues such as crime and the economy, and an emphasis on “service”. He spoke to a group of Labour enthusiasts in the little community centre of Lancing, saying, “Service isn’t merely a term, it shoud be accompanied by actions. It requires transformation for the better.” Talking about his contributions to the party, he shared, “I have altered this party, pulling it back to service. And I will do precisely the same for Westminster,” presenting the July 4th election as an opportunity for the country to start afresh.
With a location two hours south of London along the West Sussex coastline, and roughly 14km west of Brighton, Lancing is neither strikingly beautiful nor notably unattractive. It’s a rather understated and typically British area. This town is in the East Worthing and Shoreham constituency, which has consistently voted Tory for the past 27 years since its boundaries were established, and it remained blue even during Tony Blair’s 1997 sweeping victory.
The colourful Conservative back bencher Tim Loughton has maintained the seat since its origination and is now among the over 80 Tory allies who have become the “chicken run” of departing MPs at the election, while Starmer’s Labour bandwagon is on a direct course for Downing Street.
On this public holiday Monday morning, the church community centre was brimming with excitement. The gathering of approximately 120 were patiently anticipating Starmer’s appearance. The British flags adorning the beverage stand signified Labour’s recent tactic to compulsively woo the sturdy English populace, whom Johnson and Brexit have appealed to.
While Blair’s 1997 anthem was D:Ream’s ‘Things Can Only Get Better’, Starmer tactfully skirted a question regarding his chosen anthem later in the day. However, as the man claiming to have transformed the Labour Party got ready to grace the room, Harry Styles’ song that floated from the community centre’s sound system seemed like a probable choice, emphasising the world’s altered state.
Looking forward to Starmer’s address, Catherine, a local woman who stated her father was from Wexford, expressed her primary concern was to receive affirmation from the potential upcoming PM regarding his commitment to revamp Britain’s flagging National Health Service. Starkly expressing the country’s chaotic state, Catherine echoed Starmer’s sentiment used nine times throughout his address.
Starmer’s intro was provided by Tom Rutland, the local Labour candidate. As a clear demonstration of the existing party’s disarray, the Tories still need to decide on a successor for Loughton, one of their core constituencies.
Much of Starmer’s speech reflected his humble beginnings as a toolmaker’s son from Surrey and a nurse. He articulated his ordinary values by aligning them with the Lancing community’s ethos. He critiqued the Tories for placing Lancing in their line of fire by adopting a regime that subjects the people to policy decisions, rather than involving them. In this regard, he sternly alluded to recent controversies, such as the Post Office scandal, labelling them as “much darker”.
However, Starmer was also prepared to accept that trust in the Labour Party may be dwindling in communities like Lancing, particularly on central matters such as national security and defence. In response to frequent Tory taunts, Starmer firmly asserted that he could be depended on to dismantle “vile gangs” trafficking refugees, as well as safeguard Britain’s borders.
“Country takes precedence, then comes the party,” he announced, “I have permanently transformed this party.”
Addressing a select UK press, questions were asked including one that highlighted Tory criticism dubbing him as “sleepy Starmer”, given his age is 61 as compared to the 44-year-old Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Dismissing the claim, he maintained that he was filled with zeal. He stated, “We are brimming with fervour. I am teeming with it. Ever since the first day of January, there’s been a constant grin on my face as I realised that the election year had arrived.”
To win in East Worthing and Shoreham, the Labour party requires a 7 per cent shift from the Tories. Nationally, they need nearly two-fold of that to secure an outright majority. Starmer’s resolute manner bearing in Lancing hinted at a conviction of achieving it.