Starmer Criticized as "Damaged Property" by Political Historian

Sir Anthony Seldon, a prominent political historian, has launched a vigorous critique of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, labeling him as “damaged property” due to a significant drop in his popularity. Seldon noted that Starmer has faced an “alarmingly precipitous” decline since taking office, making it challenging for him to regain lost confidence, particularly among his own MPs and the media. The historian likened Starmer’s situation to that of past leaders who failed to recover from critical political setbacks, underscoring the unusual nature of his unpopularity originating so soon in his term.

Despite the evident setbacks, Sir Anthony pointed out the potential disruptions a leadership change could cause, suggesting it would not be in the nation’s best interest to see Starmer deposed this year. He cautioned that the removal of Starmer would lead to an unprecedented eighth prime minister in the span of just 15 years, which could harm the country's democratic integrity and economic stability, potentially affecting Britain's international reputation.

The historian emphasized the importance of economic growth, asserting that nothing is more pressing than revitalizing the stagnant economy that has seen little progress since 2008. He stated that national recovery requires a palpable sense of prosperity for citizens instead of continual anxiety about the future. Seldon further criticized Starmer's leadership style, noting the lack of a coherent vision and frequent policy reversals, which contribute to a perception of ineptitude within his administration.