UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Historian Anthony Seldon says Keir Starmer’s start as PM is the worst in a century, even worse than Liz Truss’s, amid welfare U-turns and internal rebellion.
As reported by The Guardian, leading historian Sir Anthony Seldon has claimed that Keir Starmer’s initial tenure as prime minister marks the most ineffective start in a hundred years.
Sir Anthony Seldon’s views on Keir Starmer’s start as Prime Minister
Sir Anthony Seldon said Liz Truss, despite serving just six weeks in Number 10, performed more efficiently as prime minister than Keir Starmer.
He stated,
“Not in 100 years has anyone made such an inept start coming into the (role) with so little idea about what he is doing (and) why he is doing it.”
According to him, enhancing public confidence and prioritising growth could help counter the rise of Nigel Farage.
Mr Seldon said,
“Show people that you are prime minister, show people you’ve got a story, show people things are getting better across the whole country with growth and then that will deal with Reform.”
He argued that part of the problem was Sir Keir’s failure to consult former prime ministers or establish a clear vision and support team upon entering Downing Street.
When questioned about Liz Truss, he remarked that, despite her short time in office, she at least entered Number 10 with a clear vision.
What did Keir Starmer say about missing the welfare rebellion?
Keir Starmer admitted he failed to tackle the Labour rebellion over disability benefits earlier, citing his attention on pressing foreign affairs.
He said,
“I was heavily focused on what was happening with NATO and the Middle East all weekend. From the moment I got back from the G7, I went straight into a Cobra meeting. My full attention really bore down on this on Thursday. At that point, we were able to move relatively quickly.”
Mr Starmer claimed extensive outreach had taken place with backbench MPs over the bill, but conceded it was not enough.
He added,
“Would I rather have been able to get to a constructive package with colleagues earlier? Yeah, I would. [But] I believe in the world we live in, not the world we want to live in.”
The Labour leader hopes to end the welfare row this week, as party whips work to secure MPs’ support through new concessions.
What did Louise Haigh say about backing welfare plans?
Louise Haigh said she would require full details of how the proposed framework is expected to operate before offering her support.
She added,
“But subject to that detail, I will be supporting the government on Tuesday in recognition that they have made significant progress and that they have protected the incomes of nearly 400,000 disabled people across the country.”
What did John Curtice say about Starmer’s first year in office?
Polling expert Professor Sir John Curtice backed Sir Anthony’s view, calling Keir Starmer’s first year in office the most troubled debut of any prime minister, Labour or Conservative.
He claimed Labour’s big win last year masked cracks in both its support base and policy plans.
Mr Curtice added,
“Labour only won 35% of the vote — the lowest share ever for a majority government. Keir Starmer was never especially popular, and the public still doesn’t know what he stands for. The only vision he’s presented is: ‘We’ll fix the problems the Conservatives left us.’ But it’s not clear how he wants to change the country.”
What did Wes Streeting say about the welfare vote?
Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed optimism over the vote, saying the government had strengthened its stance. But he didn’t rule out further concessions, noting that “they’re still listening.”
He added,
“I think the changes that were made this week have put us in a much better position, not just on the vote on Tuesday, but on the substance of the package – because as a result of the changes, it means anyone watching this morning who receives PIP, Personal Independence Payments, now has the peace of mind of knowing that their situation is protected.”