Starmer accuses government of resurrecting 'a story about Sue Gray'
Labour is bracing for a number of costly crises they will have to tackle should they win this year’s forthcoming General Election.
Sue Gray has reportedly complied a “sh*t list” of the problems an incoming Government will face, partly as an exercise to begin accusing the Conservatives should the public become disillusioned with Labour’s progress.
The Financial Times this afternoon reports that Sir Keir’s chief of staff, Ms Gray, has compiled a list of “challenges” of Labour’s “risk register”, which could add up to billions of pounds of extra spending.
Among the issues the party is bracing for are:
- The potential collapse of Thames Water
- Public sector pay negations
- Overcrowding in prisons
- Universities going under
- NHS funding shortfall
- Bankrupt local councils
Labour, who have not denied the list, have told the outlet: “It is only right that we take preparations for government very seriously, as the public would expect of any party hoping to serve”.
“If the British people place their trust in Labour at the next election, we will face one of the most challenging inheritances possible.”
The issues will be incredibly costly to any government should they all come to a head after the General Election, with Labour looking increasingly constrained as to what policies it can offer while still promising to balance the books and remain financially credible.
The collapse of Thames Water could add £15.6 billion of debt to the public purse, however the less costly option would still involve injecting £750 million into the company to help meet the rising interest rates on its multi-billion debt.
Public sector pay will also cost a huge amount if unions announce fresh strikes next year, not least if unions expect a return on helping Labour to power.
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The Treasury is thus far adamant that next year’s pay settlements will be much less generous than this year’s, despite the train drivers’ union Aslef yet to settle.
With prisons 99% full, Labour will also need to splash cash on its pledge to increase prison places by 20,000.
Meanwhile, the NHS faces an estimated £12 billion shortfall, with Jeremy Hunt announcing a £2.5 billion cash injection for 2024/25.
Finally local government is facing a deficit of £4 billion over the next two years, with dozens of councils warning they face bankruptcy.
Responding to the leak, a Tory source quipped: “She should put a leaking at the top of her risk register”.
“Given the amount of leaks and briefing against her, she's on the top of some of her own staffer's 'sh*t lists’.”
The Cabinet Office was approached for comment.
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