Bloomberg Talks: Labour MP Callum Anderson Talks Starmer's Future

Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Bloomberg
Guest: Callum Anderson, Labour MP for Buckingham and Bletchley

Episode Overview

This episode explores the current state of UK politics amid turbulence within the Labour government, focusing on the future of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. Labour MP Callum Anderson joins Bloomberg to discuss his public support for Starmer, the government's change agenda, economic policy, discussions around cabinet roles, and how Labour is engaging with both Parliament and the public. The episode provides insights into both internal party dynamics and the challenges of delivering change in a difficult economic environment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Turbulent Start for Labour and Starmer’s Leadership

[01:16–02:39]

• Anderson reaffirms his public support for Prime Minister Starmer, citing his capability and the party’s democratic mandate for change after 14 years in opposition.
  • Quote (Callum Anderson, 01:40):
    “Eighteen months ago, the Labour Party, after 14 years in opposition, was elected to a five year mandate to deliver change, change in our economy, change in our public services and change in the way that we do politics in this country.”
• Recognizes the inherited economic and geopolitical challenges that have slowed the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.
• Notes Starmer’s renewed determination to lead, especially following a recent internal address to Labour MPs and peers.

2. Cabinet Composition and Agenda for Change

[02:39–03:51]

• Discussion on expectations for changes in cabinet makeup and decision-making processes.
• Anderson stresses inclusivity over specifics, encouraging a more consultative approach across the wider parliamentary Labour Party.
  • Quote (Callum Anderson, 03:58):
    “There is a lot of experience, a lot of expertise from all intakes... I think it's important that we leverage that expertise because we've got huge economic and social challenges before us.”
• Rejects the idea of policy decisions being made by a narrow group, advocating for broad input from the party.

3. Balancing Inclusivity and Market Confidence

[04:29–05:47]

• Concerns raised about policy inclusivity potentially unnerving financial markets.
• Anderson insists both inclusivity and fiscal responsibility are possible, emphasizing his commitment to economic stability.
  • Quote (Callum Anderson, 04:47):
    “We can both be inclusive in our policy making… but also not be entirely sticking to our fiscal rules and the concept of being economically responsible. That's certainly something that's a non negotiable from my personal perspective.”
• Highlights Labour’s commitment to growth, citing infrastructure, pension capital, and fostering high-growth industries.

4. Debates Over the Chancellor and Economic Agenda

[05:47–07:10]

• Addressed speculation about replacing the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves.
  • Quote (Callum Anderson, 06:10):
    “Rachel Reeves has my full support and I think has the support of the parliamentary Labour Party. And changing the Chancellor certainly wouldn't be something that I would be considering.”
• Praises ongoing pension and industrial reforms, referencing initiatives such as East West Rail and Sizewell for infrastructure and energy.

5. Voter Concerns and the Labour Campaign

[07:10–07:54]

• On the doorstep, voters’ primary concerns remain the cost of living, NHS, schools, and economic well-being—not party leadership speculation.
  • Quote (Callum Anderson, 07:25):
    “People aren't talking about leadership… It is about the cost of living, it is about their NHS, their schools and making sure that we have an economy that works for everyone.”
• Emphasizes that MPs’ focus aligns with constituents’ real priorities.

6. Appointments and Transparency

[07:54–08:26]

• Brief discussion on the timeline of Peter Mandelson's appointment and related transparency; Anderson has no additional insights beyond what is publicly known.
• Asserts importance of transparency, but clarity will depend on ongoing processes at the Cabinet Office and police involvement.

7. Keeping Focus on Policy Amid Distractions

[08:26–10:01]

• Anderson reflects on the challenges of remaining focused on policy over the past 18 months in government.
• Describes the UK's economic “grave inheritance” and the scale of the turnaround needed.
  • Quote (Callum Anderson, 08:39):
    “It's not easy to turn around the big ship that is the United Kingdom economy.”
• Urges unity within the party and government to address economic growth, raise living standards, and reform public services for the coming decades.

Memorable Quotes

• “Eighteen months ago, the Labour Party... was elected to a five year mandate to deliver change...”
  — Callum Anderson [01:40]

• “There is a lot of experience... and I think it's important that we leverage that expertise because we've got huge economic and social challenges before us.”
  — Callum Anderson [03:58]

• “We can both be inclusive in our policy making... but also not be entirely sticking to our fiscal rules and the concept of being economically responsible.”
  — Callum Anderson [04:47]

• “Rachel Reeves has my full support... changing the Chancellor certainly wouldn't be something that I would be considering.”
  — Callum Anderson [06:10]

• “People aren't talking about leadership... It is about the cost of living, it is about their NHS, their schools and making sure that we have an economy that works for everyone.”
  — Callum Anderson [07:25]

• “It's not easy to turn around the big ship that is the United Kingdom economy.”
  — Callum Anderson [08:39]

Notable Timestamps

• 01:40 – Anderson explains why he supports Starmer
• 03:58 – Emphasis on leveraging party expertise
• 04:47 – Discussion about market stability vs. inclusive policymaking
• 06:10 – Clear support for Chancellor Rachel Reeves
• 07:25 – What voters really care about according to Anderson
• 08:39 – Challenges of turning around the UK economy

Takeaway

Callum Anderson advocates strongly for unity behind Keir Starmer, promoting inclusivity within the Labour Party while reaffirming a firm stance on fiscal responsibility and economic growth. The episode provides a candid look at both the internal deliberations and public-facing challenges the Labour government faces, focusing on substance over leadership intrigue in the eyes of both MPs and their constituents.