The Economist: ‘Before he became prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer’s favourite weapon was disgust. He was disgusted by the lies of Boris Johnson; disgusted by the tolerance that Jeremy Corbyn, his predecessor as leader of the Labour Party, showed towards antisemitism; disgusted by the effects of 14 years of chaotic Conservative rule. He never had a plan for what to do when the disgust turned back on him.’
And: ‘The outgoing prime minister leaves behind some successes. He helped steer international support for Ukraine (…), worked to position Britain for a leading role in the AI revolution and brought net immigration down from the record levels that had fuelled support for the populist right.’
But the Labour Party is ‘grumpy.’ As always.
Conclusion: ‘Sir Keir was not a great leader, but he could prove a tough act to follow.’
Ten years after Brexit, there are only tough acts. And disgust.
(a sf 2163)
