David Cameron counters Keir Starmer’s ‘new beginning’ Easter message with talk of ‘renewal’

Labour leader, who hopes to be in No 10 by the end of the year, said people would think about ‘our future and how things can change for the better’

David Cameron has emphasised the Easter message of “renewal” hours after Keir Starmer talked of “new beginnings” in a seasonal greeting widely seen as having an eye on the next election.

Sir Keir, who hopes to win the keys to Downing Street later this year, said it was a time of year when people would think about “our future and how things can change for the better”.

But former Tory leader Lord Cameron, now the foreign secretary, highlighted the Easter story of “hope and renewal” as he issued his own message on X, former known as Twitter.

The Conservatives have previously tried to prevent Labour owning the narrative of “change” at the general election, knowing voters are weary after 14 years of Tory rule.

Mr Sunak portrayed himself as the “change” candidate at his party’s annual conference last year – complete with a dig at his predecessors, including Lord Cameron.

However, that idea was swiftly ditched after it failed to improve the party’s dire poll ratings.

Instead, the Tories have sought to suggest they are changing the economy, with a plan they have urged the public to stick with, after significant falls in inflation.

In contrast to the Labour leader’s message Rishi Sunak said Easter was a time to “pause and reflect”.

The Easter messages come just weeks before local elections on 2 May which could give an early indication of Tory and Labour prospects at the general election.

Mr Starmer, who is on course to win a landslide at the general election according to a new poll , used his message to say that people would use Easter to think about “our future and how things can change for the better”.

As families and friends gather to celebrate the holiday we turn our thoughts towards new beginnings, our future and how things can change for the better

Keir Starmer

“The Easter story is one of hope and renewal, of overcoming adversity and light prevailing over darkness,” he said.

“As families and friends gather to celebrate the holiday we turn our thoughts towards new beginnings, our future and how things can change for the better.” He added: “Faith is really important. It’s a place where people can invest a lot of themselves and find comfort, hope and a sense of security.

“This Easter I’d like to express my gratitude to the Christian community in the UK and beyond, for their generosity and compassion.

“At this time of optimism and new beginnings, I thank them for everything they do, and wish you all those celebrating a very happy Easter.”

Meanwhile, the prime minister praised the work of Christians in communities across the UK and said people would also be “thinking of those in pain and suffering around the world”.

“This weekend, as people come together to celebrate and reflect on the message at the heart of the Easter festival, I want to pay tribute to the incredible work of Christians in this country,” he said.

“To the churches, charities, volunteers and fundraisers who live the Christian values of compassion, charity and self-sacrifice, supporting those in need and demonstrating what it means to ‘love thy neighbour’.

“Many, I know, will also be thinking of those in pain and suffering around the world, and Christians persecuted because of their faith who are unable to celebrate Easter freely.

“For many of us in the UK, Easter is a chance to pause and reflect and an opportunity to spend some precious time with our families and a moment to enjoy the start of spring.

“So this weekend, let me wish you all a very happy and peaceful Easter.”