There have been many moments, since the first disastrous election results began to filter through, when the prime minister’s future has hung in the balance. It still does, but a combination of sheer defiance and the epic ineptitude of his many rivals seemingly left him safe for the time being. Then the “herd” began to move. Calls to go, junior ministerial aides quitting, the rumble of rebellion is growing. It has been a turbulent few days, and even a cabinet meeting might not quell it. Indeed, it may mark a crescendo. Only the British Labour Party could so mismanage its affairs to ensure its King’s Speech might coincide with the resignation of the premier. But, up to now, it appears that Sir Keir Starmer has played a weak hand with some skill.
The “make or break” speech delivered by the prime minister, in a curiously small room with none of his cabinet colleagues present, turned out to be neither. It was certainly candid and bold enough to pacify some of his critics, but still short of ending the Labour psychodrama for good. Indeed, the leadership crisis seems to be deepening.
