Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Comment
Marina Hyde

The runners, the riders, the dead horses being flogged. Do you bet on this Labour chaos – or just enjoy the comedy?

A lis of odds for the contenders to replace the prime minister, Keir Starmer, 12 May 2026.
A lis of odds for the contenders to replace the prime minister, Keir Starmer, 12 May 2026. Photograph: Brook Mitchell/AFP/Getty Images

A masterpiece new entry for the dictionary of political quotes, as a Labour MP told the Guardian yesterday of the party’s leadership options: “We have to face up to the fact that every single one of them is fucking useless.” Anyway, come on in and experience chaosmaxxing with the governing party! Let’s take a look at the runners, riders, loose horses and horse traders who just want Keir Starmer to go and live on a farm. This is a fast-moving situation, so please don’t worry if something different seems to have happened to him by the time you read this column. Apparently the van you saw is owned by a vet who had simply failed to repaint it. Although one thing we absolutely must insist on the death of in the hours/days/weeks ahead is the catchphrase “I get it”, or the observation of another hopeful that he or she “gets it”. At this rate, the only thing people will be interested in many of this lot getting is hantavirus.

The language in general is unconvincingly exquisite. Behold, people asking delicately for an “exit timetable” when what they really want to do is get the PM on the first train to Eff Off For Ever. Some cabinet ministers have reportedly discussed how Starmer could take “a responsible, dignified, orderly” approach to departure, to which the only answer now is: get a time machine, buddy.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.