At a bustling fringe event during Labour’s conference in Liverpool, Carol Vorderman didn’t hold back.
The former Countdown star slammed the party’s performance in its first year of government, telling delegates bluntly that Sir Keir Starmer “will never be voted in as Prime Minister again” unless the party changes course.
Vorderman, 64, expressed her disappointment with Labour’s handling of policy decisions, donations scandals, and appointments, delivering a stark warning about the political risks facing the party ahead of the next general election.
Criticism Over Government Decisions and Winter Fuel Cuts
Vorderman highlighted multiple areas where she felt Labour had failed.
She criticized the controversial winter fuel cuts, noting that while she didn’t oppose means-testing in principle, the scale of the reductions—from 12 million pensioners down to 1.5 million households—was “nuts.”
She described the situation as emblematic of poor decision-making and stressed that better communication with the public was urgently needed.
Donations, Freebies, and the Mandelson Appointment
The broadcaster didn’t stop at policy. She condemned the “freebiegate” scandal, in which ministers—including Starmer—accepted lavish gifts from party donor Lord Alli, and referenced the row over undeclared donations to Labour Together, formerly led by the PM’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.
Vorderman also called out the appointment of the now-resigned Lord Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the US as a “disgrace,” arguing that such decisions erode public trust.
Praise for Andy Burnham Amid Leadership Speculation
Despite her harsh critique of the current leadership, Vorderman offered praise for Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.
Amid swirling rumors of a potential leadership challenge, she lauded his work and hinted she might even consider a parliamentary bid if Burnham encouraged it.
However, Burnham appeared to downplay the leadership speculation.
Speaking at a separate conference event, he firmly endorsed Starmer as the right person to lead Labour, insisting he had no intention of launching a challenge.
Burnham Pushes Back on Policy Criticism
Burnham used the opportunity to defend his economic proposals, which include earmarking £40 billion for council housing and reforming property-related taxes.
He rejected comparisons to former Tory PM Liz Truss and insisted his policies are financially responsible and grounded in practical experience from running Greater Manchester.
He stressed that his goal was to spark a wider debate within Labour about the party’s direction rather than undermine Starmer, framing his comments as part of constructive internal dialogue ahead of local elections.
Vorderman’s Warning: Labour Faces a Leadership Crossroads
Carol Vorderman’s blunt assessment concluded with a clear message: if Labour hopes to win another term, it must consider a leadership change.
“It will have to be a change of leader if you want another Labour government, or he’ll lose,” she said.
Her comments underline growing concerns among voters and commentators about Labour’s public image and governance.