Politics Has Tossed Friendship Out of the Window – As Keir Starmer Is Realising

Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins analyzes the deteriorating political situation surrounding UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, arguing that Westminster has transformed from a collegial club into a chaotic arena. Despite Labour holding power for only two years, the government faces severe internal division, exemplified by former Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s resignation and call for Starmer’s removal. Jenkins contends that while Starmer is weakened by adverse polls and poor local election results, there is no obvious superior successor, and a leadership change could severely damage the economy. The article attributes the turmoil to naked ambition among MPs and a sensationalist media culture rather than genuine policy failure. Starmer is described as lacking the rhetorical flair of predecessors like Blair but has managed international relations competently, keeping Britain out of potential conflicts. The piece highlights a broader collapse in conventional party loyalties across Europe and criticizes the current parliamentary environment for prioritizing gossip over governance, leaving Starmer isolated and forced to seek advice from former leaders like Gordon Brown.