While Keir Starmer’s U-turn is welcome, it’s probably far too late – the damage has been done and winning back support will not be easy (Keir Starmer confirms U-turn on winter fuel payment cuts, 21 May). I canvassed almost daily in my constituency and found that we had completely alienated many former longstanding Labour voters over the winter fuel allowance and personal independence payment. On the door, their response was resigned anger, with many saying that we had abandoned Labour policies and they didn’t understand why. Most didn’t pivot to Reform UK, they simply didn’t vote.
To U-turn any policy without some acknowledgment of it being a dreadful mistake will probably lead to even more anger and deeper distrust. We are not only losing voters but party activists as well. Members are resigning because of their disagreement with government policies on a range of issues.
