Prime Minister's first press conference

[HebburnPokemon]

Started today at 3pm. You can watch it back here:

Thoughts?

I found it refreshing - no pissing about, no u-turns, a respectful discourse. Just my view.

I can't wait to see what he achieves.

Ooops, sorry, should have said started at 13:00! My bad.

Only caught the last few minutes, but he's clearly hit the ground running.

Seems that way, prepping on steroids!

It's less than 40 hours since they knew they'd won, and they already have an agreement from St Thomas's to model to other hospitals the expansion of out-of-hours clinics across the country. (If I understood that bit correctly.)

I actually felt some tension seeping away as I watched it. No bluster, no obfuscating, no tetchy or inflammatory retorts. He has moved seamlessly from campaigning to governing and he means to make our lives easier. How refreshing.

I also liked seeing the journalists' disappointment that they'll no longer be able to deploy those spiky 'gotcha!' questions at every opportunity because he can see right through them.

Yes correct. I think they’ve been in talks for a while

Are you able to elaborate?

Interesting that the vast majority of cabinet posts have gone to those who were the shadows - means they already have information and don't have to take time to get up to speed. There was no fanfare, no gloating.

It’s absolutely brilliant. So happy the last shower of wankers are gone!

I’m so proud to finally have a Prime Minister who I believe to be a good man and in whom I have confidence.

I didn't vote Labour and didn't particularly enjoy his campaigning persona, but I thought he came across really rather well.

The main thing for me, if he sticks to it, is country before party. Of course that’s how it should be, but too often wasn’t during the last government.

Weird to hear answers that didn't start by blaming the previous government, he only mentioned them twice. He sounded sensible and thoughtful. I like the fact that he refused to make promises he may not be able to keep.

I did not vote Labour and do not like Starmer. That said, I was impressed by his speech.
However, I am a bit 🙄at some of the comments here and the hero worship at his feet. When Sunak took over as leader, there was 'No bluster, no obfuscating, no tetchy or inflammatory retorts' either. Starmer is not unique, despite what some think.
He can definitely talk the talk - whether he can walk the walk will become apparent in the next few months.
I genuinely hope he can, because we need new blood.
I am going to bookmark this page to see if pps are still so starry-eyed by Christmas.

I almost certainly will be disappointed in some things during their term. That’s normal and to be expected. But at least let me enjoy someone saying they want what is best for all voters.

So is that the very expensive press room or a cupboard?

Lots of nobs visible.

PS: why didn't rishi deliver his election speech in there rather than being a drowned rat?

This.

i didn’t vote for him either and I thought his debates were awful but I’m pleasantly surprised that he is speedily actioning things supposedly.

I really hope people are correct in their optimism, as I would love to see the nhs recover.

I am a little disheartened at the idea of softer prisons though - the sentences seem very lenient as is…also curious to see what his actual plans are for tackling illegal immigration. I am pleased the Rwanda plan has been scrapped but would like to hear what will be put in its place. During debates it was pie in the sky “going after the gangs” rather than any actual plan to stop.

I think there was similar optimism (from all quarters) for a short period when Rishi took over, then it became apparent that optimism was premature and misplaced when he surrounded himself with the wrong people who clearly had no intention of working towards a common goal.

I think the main difference with Kier now is that he has a cabinet that isn’t filled with people strongly associated with failed premierships and an already rocky, divisive relationship with the public and is a strong team. At least that’s what I’m hoping to carry on seeing.

One of the things that undermined the Tories last term was extreme instability, not just PM’s but the rate they went through ministers. I don’t think anyone is completely confident that the current cabinet could look exactly the same in twelve months time.

He may not be able to fix everything. But I believe he will do his very best, that he will hold government to high standards, and that he and they will be working for us, not for themselves. I feel hopeful for the first time in many years.

I think the press room has to be used for government work and Rishi's election announcement also included party promotion so it didn't qualify.

Absolutely, same here. I have been pleased with what I've seen so far, it's refreshing and hopeful.

Lots of nobs visible.

With a silent K. That's what I thought, too 😂

Exactly. No reshuffle to give jobs to allies or to curry favour with rivals, like Johnson being made Foreign Sec because he withdrew from leadership contest that May won. Starmer's Cabinet members already know their portfolios inside out.