Keir Starmer will go down in history as one of Labour’s most important leaders, according to Record View. He took over in 2020 at a time when anti-Semitism had infected the party and Corbynism had nearly destroyed Labour. Commentators wondered if the Tories would be in power for generations. Starmer reformed his party, stamped out extremism, and made Labour a viable option for decent people.
His high point was overturning a massive Tory majority in one term and leading the first Labour government in 14 years. However, Starmer has not been a success as Prime Minister, and Record View argues he should set out a timetable for his departure today. Politics is unforgiving, and when the herd moves, it moves.
Loss of Faith Among MPs and Voters
His MPs and Cabinet have lost faith in him because the same is true of the voters they represent. Labour won a loveless landslide in 2024 that was more about hostility to the Tories than regard for Starmer. Voters were impatient for change and did not look kindly on the PM when he failed to deliver. Early mistakes, such as cutting the winter fuel payment and insensitive cuts to welfare, made him look out of touch.
Worse was the failure to advance a positive, upbeat vision of change tied to a wider narrative of renewal. Starmer should be congratulated for drumming the Tories out of office, but the threat is now posed by Reform, and Labour needs a new leader to win a second term.
Swinney’s Shame: SNP’s Failure on Homelessness
The SNP’s failure to tackle multiple crises is shocking. NHS waiting times remain sky high, educational inequality scars Scotland, and the drug death toll is another badge of shame for a so-called progressive country. The record on homelessness, particularly in Glasgow, may be the worst scandal.
New figures show the number of people forced to sleep rough in Glasgow has almost tripled. The stats indicate 552 men and women are currently sleeping rough, compared to 203 earlier this year. This is on top of a temporary accommodation crisis that packs vulnerable people into unsuitable housing. SNP Ministers like to talk about investment in public services compared to south of the border, but the Government must be judged on outcomes. Their record on homelessness is a disgrace. John Swinney needs a reality check, and an urgent visit to Glasgow would be a start.
