The man tipped to be the country’s next Prime Minister has said it is “time for a rethink” about how water companies behave.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was speaking in an interview with this newspaper's sister title, the Reading Chronicle, on a visit to the Berkshire town this week.

But he said he didn't think renationalising water companies was the answer. 

Hundreds of people were affected in Reading and schools were forced to shut after their water was cut off or reduced due to “technical errors” at Thames Water’s Pangbourne plant.

The private water company, which is the sole provider in the region, apologised and set up water stations to provide residents with water.

The Labour leader said the government had “lost its grip” on the water companies.

He said: “I think it is time for a rethink for how water companies behave. Water is a basic amenity and in 2024, this should not be happening.

“If you’ve not got that, you’ve got leaks or the pumping of sewage into our rivers and our seas.

“The government has lost all grip on water companies and if we get elected, we will get a grip of it.”