As we look ahead to a significant week in British politics, marked by the end of a post-election era and the dawn of a new political landscape, I had the opportunity to interview Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Next Saturday is pivotal; the Conservative Party will elect its new leader, marking a departure for Rishi Sunak, a figure emblematic of the past. His successor will take center stage, becoming a key player in the upcoming years. Additionally, this Wednesday, the highly awaited Budget will be unveiled, as both the Conservatives in opposition and the Labour Party in government work to navigate the changes following the recent general election.

During our conversation, I found Sir Keir particularly animated when discussing his party’s adjustment to the realities of governing. Leaning forward, he responded to my observations about some recent challenges facing the Labour Party—like the transport secretary’s call for a boycott of a transport company, ministers accepting free tickets to a Taylor Swift concert, and the recent controversy involving Donald Trump and allegations of election interference. “Can I address that head-on?” he asked, emphasizing the government’s early efforts to stimulate the economy. It was clear I had struck a nerve.

Behind closed doors, some Labour members are expressing frustration over what they view as a hesitant start to their time in power. They are eager for the coming week to serve as a reset, potentially reshaping the political terrain ahead.

For Sir Keir and reporters like myself, however, the immediate challenge is a grueling 20,000-mile round trip to the remote islands of the tropical South Pacific. It’s noteworthy that he is the first sitting British prime minister to visit a small Pacific island nation; our journey took 28 hours, and the return trek still looms ahead.

Attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which convenes every two years, is a traditional responsibility for prime ministers. Sir Keir underscored its importance for the UK, particularly with the presence of the King and Queen, and highlighted the Commonwealth’s substantial collective economic might, boasting a combined output of $20 trillion (£15.4 trillion). Post-Brexit, the Indo-Pacific region has become increasingly vital for the UK.

Soon, though, our long trip home will commence, with stops in Hawaii, California, and Winnipeg. The political focus in Westminster will quickly shift to the imminent Budget, especially with the chancellor’s confirmation, long anticipated, that the government is reshaping its policies on borrowing and debt. This formal announcement, coming after weeks of speculation, aims to mitigate market surprises, a lesson learned from the chaos that led to the downfall of then-chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng and Prime Minister Liz Truss two years ago.