Labour insiders have lashed out at Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, accusing the Prime Minister of entering Downing Street without a clear plan and overseeing a government marked by “drift and dysfunction.” The scathing assessment comes from a report by left-wing commentator Jason Cowley, who describes the struggles of the new Labour government in its first months in office, quoting frustrated cabinet members.
The analysis follows a series of scandals and setbacks that have rocked Sir Keir’s administration since his landslide victory over former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in the July general election. Cowley, who has served as editor of The New Statesman for over 16 years, presents a grim picture of the Labour government’s performance, highlighting internal tensions and a lack of direction under Starmer’s leadership.
An insider described the new administration as being “defined by drift and dysfunction,” a sentiment echoed by several Labour figures, some of whom lamented the lack of a coherent plan in the early days of Starmer’s premiership. Cowley compared the current situation to the early days of Tony Blair’s government in 1997, when Blair’s chief of staff Jonathan Powell had a clear roadmap for Labour’s first 100 days. In contrast, the current Labour team appears to be adrift. “If they had a plan, it was incoherent and undermined by factionalism,” Cowley remarked.
A key source highlighted the party’s inability to capitalise on its overwhelming victory, pointing to internal disputes between Starmer’s original choice for chief of staff, Sue Gray, and the party’s election campaign strategist, Morgan McSweeney, who took over from Gray in October. These leadership struggles have added to a sense of instability within the government, according to Cowley.
Despite securing a commanding 156-seat majority in the House of Commons, Labour’s approval ratings have been dismal. A recent Christmas gathering at No. 10 saw Starmer make light of his personal unpopularity and Labour’s failure to inspire confidence, but Cowley warned that this was no laughing matter. “We are living in an era of extraordinary politics and great electoral volatility. Despite commanding a huge majority, Labour is inspiring no one, least of all its own MPs,” Cowley wrote.
Starmer’s victory was secured with just 33.7 per cent of the national vote, with almost 40 per cent of the electorate choosing to stay at home. The initial euphoria following the win quickly gave way to frustration and a series of controversies. Labour’s early days in power were marred by sleaze allegations involving freebies from party donor Lord Alli, including designer suits and tickets to high-profile events, such as Taylor Swift’s concerts, which several senior Labour figures, including Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, were accused of accepting.
Further controversy followed with a rebellion from Labour backbenchers, who defied the party whip over a vote on child benefits, with seven MPs suspended from the party. This rebellion was seen as a clear sign of discontent within the ranks, including from former shadow chancellor John McDonnell and ex-leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey.
In addition to internal squabbles, Starmer’s government has faced significant policy challenges. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s controversial proposals for new housing developments, including a “bulldozer blitz” on Green Belt land, have drawn fierce criticism from environmentalists. Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget proposals, which included raising National Insurance contributions to plug a £22 billion gap in the Treasury’s finances, have alarmed both businesses and charities.
Sir Keir’s administration has also come under fire for its handling of trade union demands, with above-inflation pay agreements made with railway workers, teachers, and junior doctors to stave off strikes. His government’s reputation was further dented by the resignation of Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, following revelations of a past conviction for fraud.
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Starmer’s leadership has also been under scrutiny for his handling of key issues like the Waspi women campaign, where the government has refused to compensate millions of women affected by the increase in the state pension age. Despite previously backing the cause, Starmer’s refusal to act on it has been labelled a betrayal by critics.
The government’s handling of cronyism has raised further eyebrows, with the announcement of 30 new Labour peers, including Sue Gray and several former ministers. Critics argue this smacks of patronage, undermining public trust in Starmer’s commitment to a new political era.
Despite the myriad challenges, Sir Keir remained defiant when questioned by the Liaison Committee last Thursday. Asked if he would do anything differently in hindsight, he responded: “No. We have had to do tough stuff, we are getting on with it and I am very pleased to be delivering from a position of power.” However, Cowley’s analysis suggests that if the government’s struggles continue, the populist right, led by Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, will gain further momentum, and unrest among Labour MPs will intensify.
With the next six months looking pivotal for Starmer’s leadership, Labour faces a rocky road ahead, with a government still struggling to find its footing and critics already sharpening their knives.
