Labour Health Secretary Yvette Cooper says Labour has “not done government very well” since Keir Starmer became prime minister. Speaking on the Political Currency podcast with former Conservative chancellor George Osborne, she argues that ministers have faced difficulties working within Starmer’s approach to government.
Cooper also says No 10 sidelined her during the launch of a key immigration policy when she was home secretary. She contrasts this with what she describes as a more collegiate style under Andy Burnham. Her criticism centres on how decisions and engagement within the government have been managed, summarised by her as “bring me solutions, not problems.”
Across the two outlets covering the comments, the main points are consistent: Cooper makes an overall assessment of Labour’s recent performance in government, and she highlights personal involvement and working relationships around the immigration policy launch.
