The comment is eye-catching since Sir Keir has in recent years repeatedly distanced himself from Mr Corbyn, a Left-winger who has since been forced out of the Labour Party. Mr Corbyn is standing as an independent candidate at this election.
During the BBC programme, the Labour leader, who was booed as he entered the studio, claimed that too many homeowners were ‘ripping off’ their tenants. and he said they would be banned by law from accepting the highest offer of rent from potential tenants after “bidding wars”.
Sir Keir said that landlords would not be allowed to go back and forth between potential tenants getting final offers, driving up the rent.
He said that legislation would be tabled to bring about the change if Labour wins office, meaning that the new rules would be legally enforceable.
However, repeatedly pressed by Fiona Bruce, the BBC presenter, about how exactly the plan would work he gave few other details.
Sir Keir said: “We have to stop the landlords ripping off tenants who are doing this bidding war: who’ll pay more until people are paying through the roof. We have to end that.
“We can pass legislation to say you can’t do it because it’s driving rents through the roof and it’s not fair. It’s taking advantage.”
On Thursday night, four political leaders were each grilled for 30 minutes on the BBC programme: Sir Keir, Rishi Sunak, Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, and John Swinney, the SNP leader.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
