Starmer given until May to try turn things around: report
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been given until May to turn things around in his government or face internal opposition from a growing number of Labour MPs and trade union leaders
The Financial Times reports that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is a potential challenger to Starmer, and that the Prime Minister has come under increased scrutiny for the forced departures of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and US ambassador Lord Peter Mandelson.
Speaking to the Financial Times, several trade union leaders and Labour MPs said that they are worried about Starmer’s leadership and fear Labour could be limited to one term in government, as many voters either dislike him or are unclear about his stance.
The upcoming Welsh Senedd, Scottish Parliament, and English council elections are seen as a crucial test of his authority, particularly with the threat of Reform UK gaining ground.
Several MPs believe Starmer now has until May to prove himself, while others openly question whether he is capable of the job
Polls show growing distrust in government
The concerns around Starmer can also be seen in a growing distrust of the government and politicians among the public.
Data from YouGov shows that two-thirds of Britons (67%) believe that politicians are out merely for themselves, relative to only 4% who feel they do what is best for their country.
A further 19% think politicians do what is best for their party above all else. These figures are all virtually unchanged from 2022.
The view that British politicians act largely out of self-interest is held by a clear majority of voters for all parties, including 63% of Labour and Lib Dem voters, 65% of Conservatives, and 68% of Greens.
Reform UK voters, though, are even more likely to see politicians as out for themselves, with 83% saying this.
