Keir Starmer’s tenure as UK Prime Minister has not been smooth sailing. Celebrated for leading the Labour Party back to power after 14 years of Conservative dominance, his first 100 days have been overshadowed by internal conflict, diminishing approval ratings, and significant public discontent.
The Labour Party's resounding victory on July 4 promised fresh beginnings, but recent developments hint at challenges luridly reminiscent of the chaotic Conservative years. Starmer's personal approval rating has plummeted to -33, and Labour is trailing the Conservative Party only slightly, which itself is remarkable considering the years of infighting and scandals which led to their ousting.
“You couldn’t really have imagined a worse start,” remarked Tim Bale, a political expert at Queen Mary University. With first impressions carrying weight, the uphill struggle is evident for Starmer, obliging him to overcome perceptions brandished as failures.
Starmer's agenda was clear: banish the turmoil and scandals of the past, kickstart Britain's lagging economy, and revitalize services such as the beleaguered National Health Service (NHS). Yet, the government's narrative asserts its accomplishments during this tumultuous phase, citing the resolutions of prolonged strikes among doctors and railway workers, the establishment of a publicly held green energy company, the abandonment of the controversial plan to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda, and the introduction of legislative measures aimed at bolstering worker and renter rights.
Embarking on international journeys to the United States, the UN, and significant European capitals, Starmer has munched on the phrase “Britain is back,” trying to emerge from the isolation following Brexit. Unfortunately, the UK's global influence in handling spiraling conflicts, be it the turmoil of war in Ukraine or the mayhem sweeping the Middle East, seems muted.
Back home, the government faced turbulent waters as far-right incited anti-immigrant violence broke out across various English towns and Northern Ireland during the summer, leading to Starmer condemning participants as “mindless thugs” and pledging jail time to the offenders. An alarming 800 individuals have appeared before courts since these riots began, with almost 400 sentenced to prison.
The most persistent headache for Starmer, though, is Britain's economy. Official figures reflect growth as meager as 0.2% as of August, amplified by soaring public debt. Starmer has issued sobering forecasts, warning citizens of tough short-term realities before any glimmer of hope appears. He faces the pressing matter of addressing the £22 billion ($29 billion) fiscal gap left by the previous Conservative government, which has spurred incentives to implement stricter public spending policies.
One of his initial moves, considered controversial, was the withdrawal of winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners, intended to demonstrate fiscal discipline. This decision engendered backlash not just from the public, but from within the Labour ranks, worsened by revelations of Starmer accepting luxuries from wealthy party benefactors. Under persistent media scrutiny—after even discovering his chief of staff flirted with surpassing the Prime Minister’s earnings—Starmer repaid £6,000 (almost $8,000) worth of gifts.
Starmer’s administration is teetering with internal discord as well. The dismissal of Sue Gray, his chief of staff and former Whitehall veteran, encapsulated rising tensions among government officials. Disagreements flared over roles, access to the Prime Minister, and the overall management of Downing Street, leading to accusations of incompetence and dysfunction, which have festered within the public eye.
Seeking to recuperate, Starmer appointed Morgan McSweeney as Gray's replacement, but concerns loom over McSweeney's lack of experience within governmental frameworks. Critics argue the Prime Minister's decision to prioritize political loyalty over seasoned expertise reflects troubling signs about government unity.
Despite pushing through several reforms, the public’s perception lingers, fueled by Starmer’s cautious leadership style, especially on pressing issues like the rising cost of living and mounting healthcare demands. Many anticipated bolder action, and impatience may lead to erosion of confidence in his ability to lead during these turbulent times.
With significant events like an upcoming investment summit and budget discussions looming, the timeframe for Starmer to demonstrate decisive leadership is narrowing. His administration’s financial strategy remains fraught—while Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to detail her first budget on October 30, the outlook is unclear, particularly as she has sworn off raising income or corporate taxes, and aims to ease the return to austerity.
“I believe the investment summit is evidence of growing confidence,” Starmer expressed, as he tries to steer fortunes ‘inward’ to cultivate domestic economic stability. How his government navigates the upcoming financial challenges and public dissatisfaction remains to be seen and will likely play pivotal roles moving forward.
Starmer himself reflected on his new lifestyle residing at Downing Street—the challenges of family separation versus unexpected moments of joy when his children pop by after school. The emotional toll, juxtaposed against the responsibilities of leadership, serves as both comfort and burden.
Through its first 100 days, Starmer’s government has faced the tempest head-on but remains on shaky ground. Balancing public expectations with internal party matters and economic realities will be a defining factor for the future, as opposition leaders take potshots at what they regard as failures.
The Conservative Party has already declared expectations of worsened conditions with the assertion: “From defense to pensions, health to education, Labour has let the country down.”
With uncertainty looming over the next steps, the most pressing question remains: Can Keir Starmer reclaim not just his government’s reputation but also the confidence of voters who yearn for change?
