Next prime minister debate - Nov 2020

The Sylvan next prime minister debate considered the following motion:

This house believes Sir Keir Starmer is the best choice for the country’s next prime minister.

The debate took place on Monday, 2nd November. Paul Byford proposed the motion and Peter Hulme-Cross opposed it.

The proposition supporting the view that Keir Starmer is the best choice for prime minister

The proposer argued that Sir Keir is the best in a shallow talent pool of potential leaders of the country, and noted that this would have to be at a general election. The country finds itself at a time of potentially great constitutional change. It requires in a new leader competence and a force for unity, with key priorities of strengthening the economy and repairing our global standing. Starmer fits this bill based on his early actions as Labour leader. He has put his stamp on the party and its leadership. Beyond this, a strong approach to the Covid crisis and clarity on Brexit and Scotland means he has competent policies. Furthermore, he is a lawyer – so ‘you can trust him’! We need to avoid the curse of charisma and have leaders with more substance.

The opposition against the motion

The opposer outlined the requirements for a good prime minister, pointing out that they often get buffeted by events. In addition, seemingly strong candidates for PM have turned out to be duds. Gordon Brown had promise but was in fact terrible. David Cameron seemed in control, but botched the Brexit referendum. May was a good MP but hopeless PM. And Boris Johnson is an incompetent who overpromises and underdelivers, who will be lucky to survive a year! Looking forward, there is a lot of choice in the Conservative team including the likes of Rishi Sunak, Michael Gove, Priti Patel, etc. On the other hand, the Labour team have limited experience and name recognition. While Keir Starmer is a fine person, no one can possibly say whether he will be the best PM. Only when one serves as PM will we be able to tell.

Floor speeches from the audience of the next prime minister debate

Some floor speakers deplored the country’s current leadership, and contrasted it with that of Starmer. Sir Keir is boring, but decisive and competent, which is what the country needs – getting on with the job. His background and approach could not be more different than those of Johnson. A number of speakers put forth models for successful PMs. For instance, getting the people right, priorities right and acting the part – on which Starmer has performed well so far. One speaker familiar with Starmer’s record as a public prosecutor criticised his performance in that role.

Result: in the final vote, the motion was narrowly defeated

The Sylvans concluded through the next prime minister debate that Keir Starmer is not the best choice for the country’s next prime minister.

See information on other Sylvan debates here!

The Sylvan next prime minister debate will consider whether Sir Keir Starmer is the best person to be the country's next leader.

Sylvan Debating Club

Next prime minister debate – Nov 2020