Sir Keir Starmer is facing accusations of hypocrisy after calling for ministers to stop outsourcing decisions to regulators and other bodies, despite his government creating 25 new quangos, task forces, and advisory councils since Labour’s election victory in July 2024.
The Prime Minister made the demand ahead of a planned speech on Thursday, where he is expected to outline his vision for a “rewiring of the British state” to create a “strong, agile, and active state.
However, critics argue that his actions contradict his words, as Labour has been accused of smothering Britain in red tape.
Since taking office, Sir Keir’s government has established an average of one new quango per week, including bodies like Great British Energy, a state-owned energy company, and Border Security Command, aimed at tackling the Channel migrant crisis.
Other planned bodies include an independent football regulator and a Passenger Standards Authority to oversee the railways. These moves have drawn criticism from the Conservatives, who argue that Labour’s approach is stifling economic growth and creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
During a recent Cabinet meeting, Sir Keir urged ministers to take responsibility for decisions rather than outsourcing them to regulators, a practice he claimed had become a trend under the previous Tory government.
His spokesperson emphasized the need for a more efficient and active state that delivers for working people, adding that the government is focused on reforming processes and regulations that no longer serve a purpose.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster also highlighted the importance of modernizing the Civil Service and using technology to improve efficiency.
However, Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith has questioned Sir Keir’s commitment to reducing red tape, pointing out the rapid creation of new quangos and regulators under his leadership.
Griffith criticized the government’s recent Employment Bill, which includes over 200 pages of regulations and 263 pages of amendments, arguing that such measures will stifle growth and cost jobs. He accused Labour of prioritizing bureaucracy over practical solutions, saying, “Words are cheap, but actions speak louder.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also acknowledged the need for regulatory reform, suggesting that post-financial crisis regulations had gone “too far” and urging regulators to focus more on promoting economic growth. Despite this, the government’s continued creation of new regulatory bodies has left many skeptical about its ability to deliver on its promises of a more streamlined and efficient state.
As Sir Keir prepares to outline his plans for reforming the British state, he faces growing pressure to address concerns about overregulation and bureaucratic inefficiency. Critics argue that his government’s actions so far have not matched its rhetoric, leaving many to wonder whether Labour can truly deliver the “strong, agile, and active state” it promises.
