Keir Starmer is the perfect symbol for 2024: he can't win, even when he wins
Evening Standard|February 15, 2024
WHAT exactly do you people want? Sir Keir Starmer has to contend with a progressive Left who call him a traitor and a Right who claim he is an insubstantial opportunist - but he'll still skip into the general election with a mighty 20-point lead in the polls.
George Chesterton
Keir Starmer is the perfect symbol for 2024: he can't win, even when he wins

Similarly, he faces demands to define his plan to deliver Britain from the mess bequeathed by five successive Tory leaders at the same time our expectations of politicians have sunk to a historic low.

Last week the Oxford Union debated the motion, "This House does not know what Labour stands for". Theo Adler-Williams, the union's chief-of-staff, said: "Labour is better than this, the electorate deserved better than being offered no substance." Are they? And do we? If Starmer did stand for anything he'd probably lose.

Starmer's Labour must be the broadest of broad churches and the biggest of big tents. One of the problems of being the default option for voters who will forgive almost anything just to see the back of the Tories is that it will be impossible to keep everyone happy for more than five minutes. Judging by the reaction to Starmer's U-turn on the £28 billion green investment pledge and his flip-flopping over Labour candidates with antisemitic tendencies, he is likely to enjoy a very short honeymoon as prime minister. He is being swept to power not on a wave of enthusiasm, but an overflow of raw sewage. It may stink from day one.

Esta historia es de la edición February 15, 2024 de Evening Standard.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición February 15, 2024 de Evening Standard.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE EVENING STANDARDVer todo
In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
The London Standard

In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos

Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
Is this government full of amateurs?
The London Standard

Is this government full of amateurs?

Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
The London Standard

It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States

Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.

time-read
6 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
The London Standard

Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?

Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
The London Standard

London wins battle of the global city brands again...

...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
At home with...Earl of East
The London Standard

At home with...Earl of East

The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
The London Standard

How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology

INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
The London Standard

This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving

AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
Market merrymaking
The London Standard

Market merrymaking

Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
Festive favourites
The London Standard

Festive favourites

Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 28, 2024