Three members of the new cabinet have warned that Labour must fulfill its promises to prevent a rise in populist support. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Foreign Secretary
David Lammy, and Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed concerns about public faith in mainstream politics during interviews for a BBC Panorama special.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized that failure to deliver on promises would be seen as an "institutional failure," potentially leading voters to support far-left or far-right populists. "If Labour doesn’t stick to its word, it will be seen as an institutional failing, and there will be a shift to the populists on the left and right," Reeves stated. She acknowledged the challenge of combating the perception that "politicians are all liars."
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who narrowly retained his seat against a pro-Palestinian opponent, echoed these sentiments, warning that failure to deliver would lead people to "turn to the siren voices of populism." He added, "So I feel that heavy weight on our shoulders."
Foreign Secretary David Lammy stressed the importance of maintaining connections with working-class communities. "We have got to retain that and really be connected to working people," Lammy said. "If we don’t, as we’re seeing in other parts of the world, the populists - whether from the far-right or the far-left - will offer a different vision."
The Panorama special followed Reeves, Lammy, and Streeting during their initial weeks in government, capturing their experiences and challenges. The programme also includes insights into their reactions to the exit poll indicating a significant Labour victory and their first moments in the Cabinet Office.
Lammy, a key figure in Sir Keir Starmer’s 2020 leadership campaign, expressed confidence in Starmer’s capabilities as a potential prime minister but acknowledged concerns about the party’s ability to recover after the 2019 defeat, originally estimating it would take a decade.
Now serving as foreign secretary, Lammy has tempered his previous criticisms of Donald Trump, acknowledging the constraints of holding office. The programme also features Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner humorously referring to Reeves as "moneybags" while joking about their fiscal habits.
Reeves noted the significant change for her family moving into Downing Street, with her husband handling most of the unpacking. She also hinted at the possibility of above-inflation public sector pay rises.
Health Secretary Streeting promised noticeable improvements in NHS standards within a year but admitted concerns about meeting the targets set for 2025. "I’m worried that if we don't get this right, future generations will curse us," he said, emphasizing the groundwork laid during Labour’s opposition years.
The three ministers are acutely aware of the consequences if they fail to keep their promises, recognizing the critical need to restore public trust and deliver tangible results. Photo by Rwendland, Wikimedia commons.