Our wish list for leader Starmer

My New Year message to Keir Starmer is firstly to say thanks for the progress Labour has made since you became leader.

With Boris on his way out, the Tories will be pinning their hopes on whoever they choose as his successor, so your next task should be to forget about personalities and concentrate on developing Labour policy.

Help all children whose education has been severely disrupted by Covid lockdowns and the disease, the consequences of which will be seen in the years to come.

Also, formulate sensible policies to deal with the appalling effects of the cost of living crisis being experienced by all generations.

If you get to grips with these issues, I have no doubt Labour can form the next government.

John Stockham, Folkestone, Kent

Never have the many so needed a champion to protect them from the few. Your honesty and integrity shine through, so continue to be a force for good and for change. Your mission should focus on the NHS and its amazing workforce, education of the highest standard for all ages, and protecting and supporting those who need it most, from social care to those struggling to feed their families. The UK should be a place where everyone has opportunities, not just the wellconnected rich. It shouldn’t be a land of food banks and poverty. We need a society where everyone can have hope. Jeanette Palmer Holmfirth, West Yorks

There are so many things that the Labour Party needs to do to turn this country around.

I’d like to see an announcement that they will take all sold-off parts of the NHS back into public ownership with no compensation, and for zero-hours contracts to be made voluntary and applicable only to a maximum 10% of staff.

All utility firms operating in the UK must be registered here and pay the correct taxes, and the NHS and care staff must be paid a decent living wage commensurate to the work they do.

I understand this can’t happen overnight but we need a timetable.

Bill Sheldon, Chelmsford, Essex

I, like many other people, am disillusioned with politics, and you’ll have a hard job to convince us you and the Labour Party will bring about the change we want.

We need an end to sleaze, and manifesto promises that turn out to be lies.

To win the backing of pensioners and ordinary people you’ll need to reinstate the State Pension triple lock, raise NHS wages, and stop pandering to the rich.

Victor Laidlaw, St Leonardson-Sea, East Sussex

It’s very satisfying to see the Tories falling behind in the polls.

Please keep going at Johnson from every possible angle.

When you get into power, implement a fairer tax system so those on high salaries and corporations pay more tax. Also, protect the NHS from privatisation.

The sooner we are free from the Tories, the sooner our country can become great once more.

Harold Ennis, Ruardean, Glos

With Labour now ahead in the polls, Boris Johnson’s position will be scrutinised by his party. If the Tories hit the reset button and replace Johnson, the expectation would be for the Tories to return to a narrow poll lead.

The country needs you to keep piling the pressure on, Keir, and keep getting the message out there that the Tories are failing us.

Rob Wildey, Tamworth, Staffs

Everyone must have access to the NHS when they need treatment, and I would also like to see a fairer and more caring society where people are rewarded for their hard work. Let’s make this a great New Year.

Viola Burke, Sale, Manchester