Labour’s Dashboard Promise Unfulfilled, Raising Questions for Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer‘s commitment to transparency is under scrutiny as investigations reveal that no progress has been made on the Labour Party’s proposed public “dashboard.” This digital platform was intended to provide insights into the party’s various policy pledges, including critical issues like NHS waiting lists and living standards.

The dashboard was initially scheduled to launch in November 2023, following a briefing reported by the Financial Times. It was intended to coincide with the announcement of six “milestones” by which voters could assess the government’s performance. However, a recent Freedom of Information Act request has shown that, seven months past the planned launch date, no work has been completed.

Requests made by the Times for email correspondence from Liz Lloyd, Starmer’s director of delivery and innovation, revealed a lack of activity. According to Number 10, there were no relevant communications, although sources indicate that there were never concrete plans to publish specific targets.

The dashboard’s targets are believed to have been formulated by Pat McFadden, the Cabinet Office minister, and Morgan McSweeney, chief of staff at Downing Street. These targets reportedly include improving living standards and patient care within the NHS. For instance, one aim is for 92% of patients to wait a maximum of 18 weeks for routine operations by March 2029. Currently, this target is met only 59% of the time.

Another proposed target involves educational outcomes, aiming for 75% of children to reach a good level of development by the age of five by 2028, compared to the current rate of 67%.

The Office for National Statistics indicates that real household disposable income, a measure of financial health after taxes, is slightly higher than when Labour assumed office, yet there was a decline in the first quarter of this year.

In light of these revelations, Richard Holden, Conservative MP for Basildon & Billericay, criticized Starmer’s leadership. He stated, “Given what an unmitigated disaster Sir Keir Starmer’s government has been, it’s no surprise Labour ministers are desperately keen to bury what they’ve been up to.” Holden highlighted concerns regarding high taxes, escalating borrowing, and increasing welfare expenditure.

As the Labour Party faces mounting pressure, questions linger about the effectiveness of its leadership and the feasibility of its commitments. The situation raises significant implications for Starmer, particularly as the party seeks to regain public trust ahead of upcoming elections.

In response to inquiries, Express.co.uk has reached out to the Cabinet Office and Number 10 for further commentary but has yet to receive a response. The lack of progress on the dashboard could become a pivotal issue for the Labour Party as it navigates its future strategies and promises to the electorate.