Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged that Labour faces a significant electoral challenge after the party lost the Hartlepool by-election, a seat it had held since 1974. The defeat, along with losses in Harlow and Sunderland, has raised questions about the party's direction under his leadership.
Labour insiders have expressed concern over the party's performance, which was worse than internal polling had suggested. Some blame the lingering influence of the Corbyn era, while others point to a lack of a clear message for northern, pro-Brexit voters. One frontbencher noted that while voters are no longer angry with Labour, they are not inspired either.
The choice of Dr Paul Williams as the candidate in Hartlepool has also come under fire. Williams, a former MP and Remain supporter, was selected from a one-person shortlist, a decision some attribute to Starmer's political secretary, Baroness Chapman. Critics argue that this selection was ill-suited for a constituency that strongly backed Brexit.
Starmer has emphasised his patriotism and accepted the Brexit deal, but this has not been enough to win back former Labour voters. The party's image remains tarnished among some groups, and the lack of a compelling offer for the North has been raised with the leadership.
Despite the setbacks, some insiders believe the party is making progress in eliminating negatives, such as anti-Semitism. However, the challenge remains to present a positive vision that can reconnect with voters and rebuild trust in Labour.
