Coffee House Shots Rayner vs Streeting – and what is 'active government'?
Jan 30, 2026
Tim Shipman, veteran political journalist and Spectator columnist, lays out 'Starmerism' as a three-part framing: macroeconomic stability, an 'active government' at home, and engagement abroad. Short, punchy discussion on whether that slogan has any substance. They also map potential leadership rivals, the stakes in upcoming local contests, and what a challenge could look like.
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Labour's 'Active Government' Narrative
- Tim Shipman reports Labour's emerging narrative: 'active government' to tackle the cost of living through macro stability, targeted interventions, and international engagement.
- He warns the slogan is broad and risks being meaningless unless tied to clear policies.
Interventionism Risks Being A Clumsy Leviathan
- James Heale and Tim Shipman note Britain already has an interventionist state that often performs poorly across many areas.
- They imply 'active government' risks being seen as a clumsy leviathan rather than effective reform.
Leadership Change Needs Clear Direction
- Tim Shipman says challengers to Starmer lack a coherent alternative narrative beyond 'I can do better'.
- He argues leadership change should include a clear change in direction, not just personality swaps.