The recent election results in England have revealed significant troubles for the Labour Party, marking their first electoral test since a substantial victory ten months ago. As campaigners dealt with the emotional aftermath of a narrow loss, it became apparent that the governing party's goodwill has eroded rapidly. Labour's earlier success, termed a 'loveless landslide,' reflected a precarious support base, prompting concerns about the party's future. Criticism persisted, especially regarding governmental decisions on welfare measures like winter fuel allowances, seen as pivotal in shaping public sentiment.
For almost all of them, the original sin of this government was the decision on winter fuel.
It's possible to overstate how dramatic the contrast with the 2024 general election is, though.
Leaving the eight-hour count in Runcorn and Helsby this morning, Labour campaigners were utterly dejected, not least at having lost by only six votes.
Sir Keir Starmer's victory was broad but shallow, his 411 seats procured on just over a third of the vote.
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