Rishi Sunak’s vigour will make ‘safety first Starmer’ flounder

The Tory Party has torn up its strategy of trying to appear “calm and competent” and plans to contrast the high-octane energy of the PM with Sir Keir Starmer’s safety-first approach. Mr Sunak has made controversial decisions in recent weeks, delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel cars, cancelling HS2 beyond Birmingham, replacing A-levels and raising the smoking age – with more bold moves on the way. A senior Cabinet minister said: “We’ve realised that calm and competent isn’t enough.” Top ministers are astonished at the Prime Minister’s work rate and believe Sir Keir looks very low-energy in comparison. In the highest ranks of the party, Labour has been compared to a football team that is playing a defensive strategy to preserve its lead in the polls. Sir Keir’s team is said to have “parked the bus” but the PM is planning an all-out attack. Those at the heart of the party machine are determined to be ready for an election any time next year.

While an autumn date is most likely, they want to be able to go to the country much earlier if Mr Sunak decides the time is right.

A top figure in the party marvelled at the PM’s energy, saying: “Rishi is phenomenal. He works three times harder than any Prime Minister I’ve worked with.

“That David Cameron stuff, chillaxing and weekends at Chequers with friends, he doesn’t do any of that.”

Voters will, Tories argue, see the party is “fizzing with ideas” in the run-up to polling day and this will contrast with Sir Keir’s managerial approach.

Conservatives also plan to tell the country that a “vote for the Lib Dems is a vote for Starmer”.

Tories are expected to warn of how a hung Parliament and post-election talks between Labour, the Lib Dems and the SNP could fuel instability and risks to the economy.

A senior Conservative who will be at the heart of the election operation said: “You can picture Humza Yousaf turning up to speak to Starmer while Ed Davey sits outside.”

There is grave concern at Cabinet level that if Labour links up with the Lib Dems, changes to the electoral system could be made which would make it harder for the Tories to secure an outright majority. There will be deep concern if votes at 16 are introduced or if there is a move to bring in a proportional representation voting system.

A Tory source warned colleagues were wrong to think a change of government poses little threat, saying: “Anybody who thinks Labour is just going to hand over the baton is mistaken.”

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