Embattled British PM keeps calm even as Musk escalates attacks

Aides say Starmer is focused on ensuring an effective government

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had clear instructions for his team going into the new year: keep calm, drown out the naysayers and focus on delivering for the British public.

But some in his Labour Party question whether that steady-as-she-goes approach will be enough to weather the headwinds coming their way in 2025.

Prime Minister Starmer, who swept to power last July on a pledge to restore competence and decency to politics, starts January in a dangerous position: accused by critics in the press, opposition parties and even within his own Labour outfit of representing more of the same, rather than the change he promised.

Preventing that narrative from becoming entrenched will be the government's key challenge in the months ahead, according to ministers, lawmakers and aides who spoke to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity discussing their private views.

Mr Starmer's personal ratings are already "deep underwater", and his party has lost 5 to 10 points in the polls, according to Mr Luke Tryl from the think-tank and pollster More In Common.

"While an election is years off, that we are in the midterm blues so quickly is striking," Mr Tryl said. "Voters will forgive a bumpy start, but if this year is more of the same, attitudes may crystallise against Starmer's government."

Drowning out criticism has not been easy in Labour's first six months in office.

Mr Starmer has struggled to convince the public that he had a plan for power, unveiling a confusing array of promises including two "priorities", three "foundations", five "missions" and six each of "first steps" and "milestones".

An early measure to shore up the public finances by stripping away winter fuel payments from the elderly and a tax-raising budget drew the ire of pensioners, farmers and businesses.