In this discussion, former Labour advisor John McTernan provides an insightful analysis of Keir Starmer's leadership five years in. He examines the transformation of Labour from its leftist roots to a more centrist stance, raising questions about Starmer's true political identity. They explore Starmer's surprisingly praised foreign policy amid criticisms of his domestic decisions. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating trade relations post-Brexit and the implications of Starmer's election strategies as he leads the party into a new era.
Keir Starmer has successfully maneuvered the Labour Party to a centrist position, achieving a historic majority amidst shifting public perception.
While praised for his foreign policy, Starmer struggles with clarity on domestic issues, leading to confusion about his overall political identity.
Deep dives
Keir Starmer's Leadership Journey
Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party can be divided into three significant phases. Initially, from April 2020 to September 2021, he faced challenges in establishing his mark amid the chaos left by Jeremy Corbyn's leadership and the complications of the COVID pandemic. The second phase, from September 2021 to July 2024, saw Labour gaining momentum in the polls, particularly following controversies that weakened the Conservatives, leading to a notable turnaround in the party's fortunes. Finally, after assuming the role of Prime Minister in July 2024, Starmer's ability to break with the past and define a new direction for Labour played a crucial role in solidifying his leadership and responding to immediate challenges on the global stage.
Challenges and Achievements of Starmer's Tenure
Despite substantial achievements in revitalizing the Labour Party, Starmer has faced criticisms over U-turns and a perceived lack of clarity regarding his principles. As John McTernan noted, his swift electoral recovery from defeat, a process historically taking the party several cycles, stands out as an impressive feat. However, confusion about Starmer's identity and the divergence between his international and domestic policies have raised questions in the public's mind. The emphasis on a more pragmatic approach has led to a dual perception of Starmer — a decisive figure on the world stage but one struggling to articulate a clear domestic agenda.
Looking Ahead: Local Elections and Global Challenges
As Labour prepares for upcoming local elections, Starmer's focus has centered on reinforcing the importance of quality public services while managing expectations. The relatively low-key campaign launch suggests that Labour is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on expected losses for the Conservatives in this context. Meanwhile, external geopolitical factors, including increased tensions with China over tariffs imposed by the United States, present additional challenges for the government. The necessity for the UK to navigate its national interests independently and contribute to shaping a new global trading system remains a priority, especially as geopolitical landscapes shift and evolve.
Today marks five years since Keir Starmer became leader of the Labour party. In that time, he has gradually purged Labour of its leftist wing and wrestled the party back to the centre, winning a historic majority in 2024. But, five years on, the question remains: what does Keir Starmer stand for?
He came in as the acceptable face of Corbynism but looks more and more like a Conservative with each passing domestic policy announcement (take your pick: winter fuel, waging war with the size of the state, welfare cuts etc.). Internationally, it is a different story. Despite saying little on foreign policy in the build-up to the general election, he has been widely praised for his foreign policy and his steady hand when dealing with Trump.
Lucy Dunn, James Heale and John McTernan discuss the many faces of Keir Starmer.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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