Years ago, Peter Mandelson shared a key lesson with his protégé Morgan McSweeney. Reminiscing about his involvement in Labour’s 1987 general election campaign, he called it the ‘spray-paint election’. The manifesto was a ‘beautiful technicolour’ document but the tax-and-spend shibboleths of Old Labour remained, along with the policy of unilateral nuclear disarmament. ‘I spray-painted the

This article argues that Keir Starmer’s government is unraveling for a variety of issues, namely that:

  • he had no clear political identity
  • no governing plan
  • was indecisive
  • created chaos among aides
  • alienated MPs

With the end result being he disappointed voters.

His team also describes a leader who “never defined himself” and “doesn’t want to decide anything,” while early structural mistakes, damaging fiscal choices, repeated U‑turns, and scandals involving key allies like Peter Mandelson steadily eroded his authority. In the end, it’s summed up by one insider’s verdict: ‘Once you lose authority, you’re fucked. It’s like virginity – once it’s gone, it’s gone.’

In the end, the article argues that by the time Morgan McSweeney resigned Starmer’s leadership had become very weak and many in his party now doubt he will be able to defeat rising challengers.

  • Coffee Addict@lemmy.worldOPMEnglish
    1·
    13 days ago

    It’s also really quite sad that in just 18 months Labour completely blew it. I remember there being so much optimism when they won a clear majority, and then it all just fell apart.

    It’s really a testament to what happens when leadership is indecisive.