Keir Starmer Appoints Former Tory Richard Walker as Labour Peer

Richard Walker, the executive chairman of Iceland Foods, is set to be appointed as a Labour peer in the House of Lords by Keir Starmer. This decision marks a notable shift in Walker’s political alignment, as he was previously associated with the Conservative Party. His appointment will be part of a broader effort by the Labour Party to add 25 representatives to the upper house of Parliament later this month.

This development is particularly striking given that Walker was identified as a potential Conservative Member of Parliament only three years ago. In February 2023, he assessed Starmer’s government with a score of six out of ten, urging Labour to focus on “inclusive growth and everyday growth” that could positively impact people’s lives.

Political Shift for a Business Leader

As a Labour peer, Walker will have the opportunity to advocate for policies he values, including strengthening relationships with the European Union and promoting a more optimistic economic narrative. He assumed the leadership of Iceland Foods in 2023, following his father, Malcolm Walker, who founded the company in 1973. Both father and son have historically supported the Conservative Party, with Richard Walker donating nearly £10,000 in July 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic under Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

In 2022, Walker was included on a list of approved parliamentary candidates for the Conservative Party. However, he made a sudden political pivot in 2024, expressing his discontent with the party’s direction. In an article for the Guardian, he stated that the Conservatives had “drifted badly out of touch with business and the economy, and with the everyday needs of the British people.”

Walker articulated his support for Starmer, stating that after considerable reflection, he believed Starmer had “exactly what it takes to be a great leader.” His comments reflect a significant shift in his political identity, although they did not explicitly frame him as a future Labour politician. He criticized the Conservative Party’s departure from its foundational principles, contributing to his disenchantment.

Implications of Walker’s Appointment

Walker’s entry into the House of Lords as a Labour peer adds a rare voice from the business sector to Starmer’s government. This comes at a time when the Labour Party has faced criticism from various sectors, particularly regarding the recent increase in national insurance contributions. In contrast, the Conservative Party includes other business figures, such as Simon Wolfson of Next, among its peers.

While some business leaders have raised concerns over increases in commercial property business rates introduced in the recent budget, others expressed relief that the changes were less severe than anticipated. The Labour Party has opted not to comment on Walker’s impending appointment, and he was also approached for his views on the matter.

Walker’s transition from a Conservative supporter to a Labour peer underscores the fluidity of political affiliations in contemporary British politics. His unique background in business may provide valuable insights into the economic strategies that Labour will pursue as it continues to seek support from various sectors of society.