Sir Keir Starmer dropping his flagship £28 billion a year green investment pledge is the “most stupid decision the Labour Party has made”, a former senior adviser to Sir Tony Blair said. 

John McTernan, who was Sir Tony’s political secretary in No 10, said the move was “very disappointing” and asked: “What is the change Labour now offers?”. 

Sir Keir Starmer is set to formally abandon the £28bn figure today, arguing that Labour can no longer promise to borrow that amount a year.

The Labour leader will say the party is still committed to borrowing to invest, but, according to a senior Labour source, he will no longer stand by the £28bn number. 

Asked if axing the number was the right move, Mr McTernan told the BBC’s Newsnight programme: “It is probably the most stupid decision the Labour Party has made.” 

He added: “This is a decision that we have to make now to decarbonise our economy and it is one which stands for a purpose, a great purpose, a grand purpose. Great parties have great causes. If you don’t have a great cause, you want to change from this Government, sure, but change to what? What is the change Labour now offers? It is very disappointing.” 

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