Labour’s First 100 Days Under Keir Starmer: A Challenging Start for the New Prime Minister

Friday 11 October 2024 - 17:00

London, United Kingdom, as Keir Starmer prepares to mark his first 100 days in office as Prime Minister this Saturday, his government’s performance has drawn significant criticism, with many deeming it the “worst start in living memory.” An October 8 YouGov poll reveals that Starmer’s approval ratings have hit an all-time low, with over 60% of Britons expressing discontent with his leadership.

Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, remarked, “It’s easily the worst start to a government’s time in office in living memory – and it wasn’t as if Labour were that popular anyway.” Starmer led the Labour Party to a decisive victory on July 4, securing a substantial majority in Parliament and ending over a decade of Conservative rule. However, the turnout was disappointing, hovering around 50%, marking the lowest voter participation since universal suffrage.

The government faces mounting challenges, with the recent “freebie” scandal severely damaging Labour's reputation. Starmer has been reported to have accepted gifts worth over £100,000 ($131,000) during the past five years, including accommodation costs, concert tickets, and clothing, making him the highest recipient of such gifts among Members of Parliament (MPs). The public outrage over these revelations is palpable, especially as many citizens grapple with a cost-of-living crisis.

Starmer’s financial backers include Lord Waheed Alli, a wealthy Labour peer, and entities from the Premier League. While accepting donations is legal, the optics are troubling for a party that traditionally champions equality and transparency. Concerns are growing over potential cronyism, with critics questioning Alli’s influence over government decisions and access to Downing Street.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has further fueled discontent by curtailing winter fuel payments for approximately 10 million pensioners, depriving many elderly citizens of crucial financial support amid rising energy costs. Anand Menon, a professor of European politics and foreign affairs at King’s College London, noted, “It’s been quite a shaky start. The surprise was how badly they’ve handled it.”

Menon emphasizes that Labour has struggled with public relations, allowing the donation scandal to dominate headlines without a coherent response. “What you want is the government to come in and tell a story about where we are and where they’re taking us, and actually bring that narrative home to us. Over the first few months in government, there hasn’t been a narrative, and I think because of that, there’s been a hole,” he stated.

Reeves, who accepted a £7,500 ($9,800) donation before the election, is expected to unveil the government’s budget on October 30, which may include tax increases on capital gains and inheritance. Although Labour has promised a 4% rise in the state pension and vowed to uphold its election pledge of adding VAT to private school fees, these commitments have not overshadowed the growing criticism.

Efforts to mitigate the impact of the scandal have seen Starmer, Reeves, and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announcing they would no longer accept free clothing. Steven Fielding, a politics professor at the University of Nottingham, observed that the Labour Party has “totally misunderstood” the expectations of British voters, who often seek immediate benefits rather than long-term promises.

Meanwhile, the government has been navigating turbulent waters beyond economic issues. Following race riots sparked by a tragic stabbing incident in northern England, Starmer faced challenges in addressing public safety and cohesion. His administration has been accused by critics, including hard-right MP Nigel Farage and billionaire Elon Musk, of overseeing “two-tier” policing, suggesting biases in law enforcement against minority groups.

Amid the scandals and challenges, some of Labour’s less headline-grabbing promises have remained largely unnoticed. In September, Starmer pledged a 10-year plan to reform the NHS, recognizing the urgency of addressing persistent issues like long waiting lists and staff shortages, which impact the lives of countless Britons.

As Labour reflects on its first 100 days, experts suggest that the party hopes the current difficulties will be forgotten by the time of the next election. Fielding quipped, “Can you tell me what the first 100 days of the Boris Johnson government was like? I certainly can’t.”

With critical issues looming on the horizon, including the upcoming budget and NHS reforms, it remains to be seen whether Starmer can steer his government toward stability and regain public trust amidst ongoing scrutiny.