Keir Starmer resigned as Labour leader moments after a byelection victory, delivering a notably brief and bashful resignation speech. Unlike previous prime ministers forced out by election losses or opposition, Starmer's departure was triggered by Labour winning a byelection. The speech was surprisingly moving, with Starmer dashing out soon after the lectern was set, as if wanting to get it over with as quickly as possible.
Another Prime Minister Bites the Dust
In 12 and a half years as the Guardian's political sketch writer, John Crace notes this will be his seventh prime minister. Britain has churned through four prime ministers in four years, after having only four in the previous 23 years. The lineup of former PMs at the Cenotaph grows longer, and soon only a handful may recognize Liz Truss.
Starmer's resignation was distinct: not forced by a lost election or strong opposition, but by a Labour byelection win. The speech felt bashful; broadcasters were not given advance notice, and Starmer spoke moments after the lectern appeared. Crace finds resignation speeches moving, except Boris Johnson's, who blamed others and warned of regret – a warning that has not materialized.
Questions now turn to Andy Burnham and how long voters will grant him before demanding results.
World Cup Fever Takes Hold
Despite initial disengagement, Crace was quickly drawn into the World Cup. He found himself staying up late to watch matches he initially had no interest in, only to care passionately by the final whistle. However, he criticizes Gianni Infantino's infatuation with Donald Trump, ticket prices, and hydration breaks that disrupt the game's momentum, turning it into four quarters for TV advertising. ITV currently resists ad breaks, but Crace expects that to change in four years.
A turning point was England's second-half performance against Croatia – described as one of the best passages of play from an England side, with urgency and creativity. The Ghana game was a reality check, with slow and hesitant play until the final ten minutes. Crace reflects that the more football he watches, the less he understands.
Brexit 10th Anniversary: Daniel Hannan Day
Wednesday marks the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum result. Crace recalls that leave campaigners had no plan for implementation. Nigel Farage and Michael Gove were silent; Boris Johnson sought direction from David Cameron, who resigned two hours later.
Daniel Hannan, a leading Brexit intellectual, had predicted a glorious future in a 2016 article: annual independence day celebrations, a booming farming and fishing industry, London as a new Silicon Valley, and the EU begging for trade. None of this came true. Crace suggests the anniversary be called Daniel Hannan Day. Hannan, now a lord, continues to thrive despite his predictions being wrong.
Westminster Heatwave: 1976 Redux
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle temporarily waived the jacket rule for male lobby members due to the heatwave, though the Commons chamber has working air conditioning. The journey to work was challenging; the 87 bus was five degrees warmer inside than out, with sweat dripping. The Guardian office in Westminster is like a furnace, reliant on fans. Facilities management sends a man who looks around, stands on a desk, and leaves without speaking.
Crace recalls the 1976 heatwave when he worked as an ice-cream salesman in Oxford Street. He often failed to clean the machine, serving day-old ice-cream that tourists found tasty. He was fired after a spot check found him semi-conscious, propped against the machine.
Cancer Conversations: Life Restarting
Cancer has bent time for Crace and his wife Jill. He has lived every moment with her over the past 14 months, sometimes wishing he had cancer instead, as it would be easier to bear. Living with a cancer patient means experiencing loss of control daily. Time slows on bad days and races on good ones. Recovery is slow; seven months since Jill's operation and five months since her last chemo, she still feels unwell at times.
But cancer has brought them closer. They have had important conversations that other couples might avoid. As a family, they have said everything that needs to be said, with no regrets. Jill is stronger now, and they have adapted to the two-month cycle of scans and tests. The oncologist advised banking wins when they come, as one day you may lose.
They plan to enjoy summer: a trip to America to see their daughter, a night in Buxton for a festival event, and visits with friends. Life is restarting.
