How much trouble is Labour in - and is the PM the right man for the job?

"Sir Keir is an intelligent, incredibly diligent, serious-minded politician who has achieved extraordinary things. But time and again the same problems are raised, summed up brutally by another senior figure: "His judgement on people has proven to be flawed, see endless staffing resets." "His judgement on policy is flawed, hence U-turns, and he can't communicate, and has been unpopular in the public's eyes for a long time.""

"Others point to a slow pace of decision making in Downing Street, suggesting the prime minister thinks "too like a chairman, not a chief executive," says another insider. And "he only gets to the right answer having exhausted all the other options," rather than moving fast using a gut political instinct. Another senior party figure says: "He doesn't think like a leader.""

Keir Starmer rebuilt Labour after 2019 and won a large majority five years later. Recent conversations with ministers, MPs and advisers suggest deep dissatisfaction within government and the party. Polling indicates public unease and long-term unpopularity. Criticisms focus on flawed judgement about people and policy, frequent staffing resets, and U-turns. Downing Street is described as slow to decide, with a leadership style likened to a chairman rather than a chief executive. Insiders say he reaches correct decisions only after exhausting other options and that he struggles with political communication and decisive leadership.

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