Starmer's vision quest

[midlandsgrimpeur]

At the moment, it's clear that the main opposition to Starmer is within his own party (see the likely watering down on disability benefits). Badenoch scored an own goal by trying to tag on all sorts of other demands in return for supporting it.

It was true of Johnson, and it's equally true of Starmer: a party with a big majority and no effective opposition won't be a good government, because they think they can do what they will, regardless of the rigour/strength of their proposals. Starmer is making policy decisions predicated on hard financial choices and chasing the pollsters (under guidance from Morgan McSweeney), and that's not a recipe for good government.

I think I may have said this previously on this thread, but I would take it much further than just guidance, I think Starmer is completely under the influence of McSweeney when it comes to domestic policy and chasing the polls. As has been discussed, there is a big disconnect between Starmer at home, and his foreign diplomacy which has largely been excellent. I suspect this is because McSweeney has very little involvement with matters abroad and Starmer is taking the lead on this. If that is the case, he needs to learn from this and back his own convictions and decision making on domestic matters as I genuinely suspect he doesn't really believe in a lot of what he is being directed to do.

 

[Xipe Totec]

I'll give Rayner her props for getting to where she is from humble beginnings, but do I think she's fit to be governing the country? Not for a minute.

This is the bit I find interesting, because it's something that's said quite lot about various ambitious politicians, typically (but clearly not always) those in opposition.

This is by no means intended as an endorsement of Rayner - but in very recent memory: Cameron. May. Johnson. Truss. Sunak.

The banal, characterless middle-manager image of Starmer appears to have been taken as a promise of competence by some, but how's that gone over the last year?

So if Rayner's not PM material - then who the hell is? Genuine question, and I'd be interested in the opinions of all, including rabid centrists & red-meat binburners. And the reasoning behind your choice. If you have one.

 

[briantrumpet]

This is the bit I find interesting, because it's something that's said quite lot about various ambitious politicians, typically (but clearly not always) those in opposition.

This is by no means intended as an endorsement of Rayner - but in very recent memory: Cameron. May. Johnson. Truss. Sunak.

The banal, characterless middle-manager image of Starmer appears to have been taken as a promise of competence by some, but how's that gone over the last year?

So if Rayner's not PM material - then who the hell is? Genuine question, and I'd be interested in the opinions of all, including rabid centrists & red-meat binburners. And the reasoning behind your choice. If you have one.

 

[BoldonLad]

Why do you think it would be awful if Rayner of Philips were to become Prime Minister?

Both of them are honest, strong, principled, outspoken women who have worked hard to reach their position without the benefit of Public School education or wealthy parents. Both of them understand the Labour Party. Rayner is more likely to pull the party significantly to the left - I'd prefer Philips to be in charge over Rayner.

What makes you think a fundamentally dishonest old Etonian that hasn't had to work for a day in his life would be better? We have been trying those out for some time and I'll be honest. It's not gone as well as you might have thought.

John Major wasn't a Public School Boy

Are ALL old Etonians dishonest?

Are ALL old Etonians the product of wealthy parents?

 

[Psamathe]

If that is the case, he needs to learn from this and back his own convictions and decision making on domestic matters as I genuinely suspect he doesn't really believe in a lot of what he is being directed to do.

Bit worrying if he doesn't believe in what he is doing. I'd have hoped for better from a Prime Minister. either better or listen to those who have been elected like his backbenchers (in large numbers).

But I think it is a failing of Starmer like happened when he was DPP and even though he had a highly educated, responsible committed staff he managed to fail to listen to them and alienate them and be oblivious to it.

Ian

 

[First Aspect]

View attachment 8822

Morgan McSweeny from Macroom, went to Middlesex Uni and occupies the political Middle ground.

Mmm.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

Right on cue. Apparently a No.10 spokesman was asked in the last hour or so if Starmer had full confidence in McSweeney and repeatedly refused to answer. I guess, therefore, we have our answer!

 

[First Aspect]

It's the opposite of football.

 

[briantrumpet]

Morgan McSweeny from Macroom, went to Middlesex Uni and occupies the political Middle ground.

Mmm.

Should I be referring to the President of France as President MacRon, to reflect his Scottish inheritance?

 

[First Aspect]

Should I be referring to the President of France as President MacRon, to reflect his Scottish inheritance?

That'd be Irish.