

Can Keir Starmer Stop A Labour Rebellion?
Jun 26, 2025
Join Luke Sullivan, former political director for Keir Starmer, and Sarah Vine, columnist and author, as they delve into the internal tensions within the Labour Party. Luke shares insights on Starmer's leadership strategy amidst upheaval, while Sarah reveals how Brexit impacted her marriage to Michael Gove, offering a candid look at politics' personal toll. They also explore the emotional strains of public scrutiny and the intricate ties between politics and personal relationships, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shape political life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Labour MPs' Parliamentary Rebellion
- Labour MPs organized a sophisticated rebellion using a reasoned amendment to potentially block a bill's progress.
- This tactic shocked the leadership due to its coordination and the size of the dissenting group.
Starmer Shifts to Conciliatory Tone
- Keir Starmer shifted from a defiant to a more conciliatory tone toward Labour rebels within a day.
- He emphasizes fairness and is engaging in conversations to find a compromise before the vote.
Fairness as a Uniting Labour Value
- Labour rebels accept welfare reform is needed but demand it balances support and fairness for taxpayers.
- ‘Fairness’ is a core Labour value used to try to unite the party in this dispute.