Changes of direction haven’t worked well for recent prime ministers, but there may be a silver lining for Sir Keir Starmer.
Every government faces a moment when the prime minister must hit the reset button. For Theresa May, this came in 2017 after the disastrous snap election, when she attempted to reset her premiership with a speech on the British dream, which was soon overshadowed by a persistent cough, a falling set, and a prankster presenting her with a P45. Similarly, Boris Johnson tried to calm a growing unrest within his party in early 2022 with “Operation Red Meat,” a collection of policies aimed at appealing to the Tory grassroots. While this gave him a temporary reprieve, it ultimately failed to save his premiership, and he too was ousted by a disgruntled party.
Given this history, it’s understandable why aides at No. 10 are wary of even mentioning the word “reset” now. But it’s a term that has come up frequently ahead of Sir Keir Starmer’s upcoming keynote speech, where he will set new targets and discuss his priorities. While some insist it’s not a reset but rather a continuation of the Labour government’s plans, the very fact that the notion has gained traction speaks volumes about the state of the party under Starmer’s leadership.
Since taking office, Starmer has faced a decline in his party’s polling numbers, as well as a drop in his personal approval ratings. While it’s common for governments to experience dips in popularity, ministers have expressed concern over how quickly these declines have happened under Starmer’s watch. This is particularly worrying when the government is less than six months into its tenure.
The reasons for this downturn are varied. Ministers attribute it to a combination of factors, including the legacy of Tory mismanagement, missteps in tackling issues like sleaze and standards, and struggles to implement their agenda effectively. Sue Gray, Starmer’s former chief of staff who left in October, is often blamed for contributing to the lack of preparedness within government ranks. Though her departure occurred months ago, Starmer’s new team — now headed by Morgan McSweeney — is under increasing pressure to demonstrate tangible progress.
Part of the issue lies in the perceived disarray in the government’s messaging. One Labour insider commented on the chaotic week when the party shifted from talking about banning smoking in pubs to announcing plans to weigh employees at their offices. These mixed messages have done little to inspire confidence in the public or within the party, leading to accusations that Starmer is too dour and uninspiring.
For this reset to work, Starmer’s speech must go beyond setting targets; it must offer a clear, compelling vision for the future. This is where the real challenge lies. While some of Starmer’s ministers have questioned the purpose behind the government’s policies — pointing out that proposals like cutting winter fuel payments or introducing assisted dying weren’t on the party’s radar when they first took office — it’s clear that Starmer must connect the dots between his goals and the broader narrative of Labour’s mission.
The left wing of the Labour Party has long viewed Starmer as a technocrat with little political passion. While some supporters defend his lack of charisma, speculating that it’s part of a deliberate strategy, many ministers are growing frustrated with the lack of clear leadership and direction. There’s a feeling that the hard work to return to government is being undermined by an apparent lack of urgency or excitement in Starmer’s approach.
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This is why Starmer’s speech needs to set out not only tangible goals, such as reducing NHS waiting lists, tackling crime, improving living standards, and delivering clean power by 2030, but also a broader sense of purpose. Starmer’s team recognises that these ambitions can only be realised through substantial reforms to the state. But with the government under pressure from all sides, Starmer faces the risk of alienating voters if he doesn’t take some bold political risks.
One area of concern is the growing anti-politics sentiment among voters, particularly on the right. With figures like Nigel Farage positioning themselves as alternatives to the established political order, there is a palpable risk that Labour could lose ground to these populist movements. McSweeney, who has previously seen off right-wing challenges in the past, knows the importance of focusing on voters’ priorities. But Starmer’s challenge is much greater — it requires a deft blend of governance and political vision, not just campaign tactics.
A recurring complaint from Labour MPs is that they rarely see Starmer in person, especially with his frequent foreign trips. This echoes similar frustrations with Boris Johnson during his time as prime minister, when backbenchers often felt disconnected from their leader. The current mood within the party suggests that Starmer’s leadership is not resonating with those who have supported him.
As Rishi Sunak demonstrated with his five priorities — which included promises to tackle waiting lists — the delivery of goals is only part of the equation. The public wants more than just policy promises; they seek a leader with a sense of purpose, someone who can inspire confidence and galvanise support.
Ultimately, Starmer’s reset must go beyond policy announcements. It’s about reaffirming Labour’s vision for the future and ensuring that it is both compelling and achievable. Time is still on his side, but if he fails to seize this moment, he risks turning what could have been a historic return to government into a missed opportunity. The clock is ticking.
