A new book has laid bare the despair among Labour insiders over Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, with the Prime Minister accused of being passive and failing to connect with voters. The revelations come as Starmer faces mounting pressure from within his own party, with many MPs and members believing he lacks the communication skills needed to lead the country.
The book paints a picture of a leader in denial, unwilling to accept the reality of his dwindling support. Despite Starmer's insistence that he is a 'fighter, not a quitter', sources close to him say he is bitter and feels betrayed by cabinet colleagues he mistook for friends. The Prime Minister's offer of a 'big role in government' to Andy Burnham has been interpreted as a sign of weakness, with Burnham widely seen as the only credible alternative for the leadership.
Starmer's Sky News interview at the G7 in Évian has been singled out as a particularly low point, with his attempts to project confidence described as unconvincing. The Prime Minister's laugh when comparing himself to Liz Truss, who also claimed to be a fighter before resigning, has been seen as a telling moment of self-awareness.
The book also highlights the lack of talent on the Conservative frontbench, with shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho described as an 'intelligence vacuum'. However, the focus remains on Starmer's struggle to assert his authority, with many in his party convinced that he is an 'expendable cog' who has reached the point of no return.
