The Latest Breaking News from Polly Toynbee

Decent or disastrous? Starmer’s judgment and leadership divide opinion

Letters: Readers respond to a piece by Polly Toynbee in which she says she cannot understand the reason for this level of public dislike

The Guardian - UK · Feb 8

It’s tragic that a decent PM will be brought down by Mandelson’s sleaze – but it’s a matter of when, not if

With three years left and a huge majority, Labour can govern with more humility and deliver real change. But with Starmer at the helm? I can’t see it, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK · Feb 6

Labour’s new welfare changes are practical and compassionate – so why not loudly say so?

Universal credit to rise faster than inflation, benefit hurdles eased, extra help for children and young people … I bet you had no idea, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK · Jan 29

Let me explain why we can’t stand Keir Starmer

Letters: Readers respond to Polly Toynbee’s defence of the prime minister in the face of ‘venom’ directed at him by the public

The Guardian - UK · Jan 5

Labour could oust Starmer, he could elegantly step aside – but without a plan, it will all be for nothing

For all the talk of coups, this much is clear: without a strong vision, Labour will face a fresh crisis of legitimacy, says Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK · Dec 30, 2025

A defence of Labour was overdue, but Keir Starmer needs to listen to his opponents

Letters: Readers respond to Polly Toynbee’s article about Labour’s positive record in government

The Guardian - UK · Dec 28, 2025

Let me tell you the good things the government has done in 2025 – because it certainly won’t

It’s all there: more apprenticeships, more rights for workers and renters – and most of all, a focus on children. What a shame Labour wavers about saying so, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK · Dec 22, 2025

Finally, Labour is finding its nerve and getting Britain’s bad Brexit deal undone

Rejoining Erasmus should just be a first step – as the economic evidence piles up, the need for closer ties with Europe could not be clearer, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK · Dec 19, 2025

‘Improve the NHS fast or people will fall for the charlatans’ – so says a departing trust head. We’d do well to listen

In his 46 years of service, Nick Hulme has seen the best and the worst of the NHS. He issues a stark warning about its future, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK · Dec 16, 2025

Donald Trump wants a Europe in chaos – a sure sign for Britain to shore up its democracy

With the US threatening to support ‘patriotic’ parties here, we need better defences, starting with tough new rules about political donations, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

The Guardian - UK · Dec 12, 2025