Overview
- At the Tony Blair Institute’s Christmas event in Whitehall, Blair praised the home secretary as “brilliant” and lauded her “political philosophy,” drawing parallels to his own approach in office.
- Mahmood used the stage to lay out a tough immigration stance, pledging to “smash the gangs” behind illegal crossings and asserting broad public backing for firm rules.
- She cited whistleblowers in her Birmingham Ladywood constituency who reported “dodgy” care-sector visas and alleged spousal visa abuses that she says informed her policies.
- Emphasizing identity and faith, Mahmood described herself as a “brown Muslim woman” who “does God,” saying her Islamic faith calls her to public service.
- The high-profile appearance intensified discussion over potential successors to Keir Starmer, with some attendees joking about an anointment even as other reporting framed Blair’s interest as recognition rather than a formal endorsement; Mahmood also signaled broader reforms, including considering cutting England and Wales police forces from 43 to 12.