It’s been a dreary start to 2025 for Keir Starmer, whose January sees him embroiled in reactive territory, with the Prime Minister facing attacks from a bored Elon Musk. Musk’s criticism of the UK’s record on ethnically-based sexual crime has thrown the government into turmoil, particularly concerning its handling of grooming gangs. While Starmer wasn’t the main player in this complicated issue, it nonetheless tests a leader’s mettle during times of national anxiety. His response, labelling critics as “jumping on the bandwagon,” sounds more defensive than constructive, especially in the face of incendiary accusations.
For Labour MPs in constituencies affected by grooming scandals in the north, the issue stirs concern not only over the potential findings of a new national inquiry, but also the fear that defending past actions could play into accusations that Labour is “soft” on ethnically-motivated crime. This is a moment for Starmer to show leadership, not just defend his record as the former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Labour needs a stronger, clearer position on how to address and prevent such crimes, rather than simply pointing fingers at the past.
While the UK government has inherited a mess — from fragile economic recovery to international crises — much more remains within Starmer’s grasp. The current Conservative government may boast a substantial majority, but it is far from unassailable. If Starmer, however, continues with his downbeat approach, he risks missing the opportunity to present himself as the alternative that the country desperately needs.
One major criticism of Labour under Starmer’s leadership is that it feels directionless. As one prominent Blairite put it, the party has “forgotten what good looks like.” The lingering legacy of the Corbyn years, the distractions of internal party politics, and the efforts to rehabilitate Labour’s reputation on issues like anti-Semitism have all contributed to this sense of stagnation. The challenge for Starmer, now in the heart of power, is to cultivate a decisive, forward-looking leadership style that matches the urgency of the moment.
This calls for a more assertive attitude from Starmer, particularly when it comes to communicating the government’s priorities and taking tangible action. Premiers in their early days typically set the tone through clear, focused objectives — “to-do” lists that avoid the pitfalls of vague, non-committal “missions.” Yet Starmer has struggled to distill his vision into concrete goals, resulting in a leadership style that risks being perceived as hesitant and unclear.
Internal tensions within the Cabinet only add to the uncertainty. The divide between modernisers like Health Secretary Wes Streeting and figures closer to the union-led left, such as Angela Rayner, exemplifies the balancing act Starmer faces. Add to that concerns about key appointments, including Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, whose handling of a major infrastructure deal came under scrutiny, and Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq, whose links to a controversial property empire have raised eyebrows.
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The constant turbulence and questionable decisions, such as placing figures with potentially compromising backgrounds in sensitive roles, have left Starmer vulnerable to criticism. The public’s faith in his ability to lead is ebbing away, and with it, the strength of his leadership is being questioned. Political capital is easily squandered, and heroes can quickly turn into zeros.
The message from this turbulent start to 2025 is clear: Starmer needs to demonstrate confidence, decisiveness, and a clear vision for the future. Politics is a contact sport, and sounding defensive in the face of criticism does not inspire trust or respect. Instead, Starmer must take charge of the narrative and project leadership — not merely respond to the whims of critics.
Ultimately, the challenge for Starmer is not just navigating the political storm, but using it as an opportunity to define his leadership and present himself as the leader the country can rely on in times of uncertainty. If he doesn’t step up, the questions surrounding his leadership will only grow louder, and the opportunity for change will slip through his fingers.
