The promise, which has not been met for almost a decade, was made as the PM revealed his Plan for Change at Pinewood Studios on 5 December in which he laid out six new pledges to ‘galvanise' his Government. 

Starmer said the Government faced an ‘almighty challenge', adding: ‘Our Plan for Change is the most ambitious and credible programme for Government in a generation and we embrace the risk the comes with it because if there was no jeopardy, if there was no resistance, no blockages or impediments for us to move then as sure as night follows day that will be as sign that we are not serious about delivering change and I will never do that.'

The PM said the Government was publishing ‘measurable milestones that will also give the British people the chance to hold our feet to the fire'. Starmer said the work of change had begun with £25bn invested in the NHS' adding: ‘The path of change is long. It's hard. 

‘There are few thanks in the short term but mark my words with this Plan for Change we will stick to it. Country first. Party second.' 

Reaction

NHS Providers said the challenging waiting list target required a ‘healthy does of realism'.

Interim chief executive, Saffron Cordery, said: ‘Our recent State of the Provider Sector survey showed many have doubts about being able to meet performance standards including the 18-week target for planned hospital treatment over the next five years. But they are up for the challenge.

‘It is also important to remember that the 18-week target does not sit in isolation. It is vital that the laser-like focus on bringing down waiting times for routine operations and appointments doesn't come at the expense of other critical services for which patients also face long waits, such as urgent and emergency care, mental health services and social care. These are just as vital for patients and must not be overlooked.'