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Starmer needs sharper survival strategy if he is to stay on

strategy over how to respond and, if required, make the first phone call to a minister whom the prime minister wanted to resign. McSweeney [resigned as chief of staff](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/08/morgan-mcsweeney-resigns-as-keir-starmer-chief-of-staff) in February over

Mandelson criticised Starmer’s lack of ‘verve’ and tendency to buckle under pressure

strategy, including Mandelson’s view that businesses were losing confidence in the UK economy. The WhatsApps are part of a vast tranche of data that MPs voted to release in February relating to Mandelson

Starmer’s top advisers knew about ‘indefensible’ journalists’ probe, documents reveal

strategy, to update them on investigation run by Apco Worldwide, a US-owned PR firm. Tom Harper, Apco’s senior director, had been investigating the background and motivations of the journalists behind articles and social

Unhappy Labour MPs aren't ready to oust Starmer yet

Starmer is seriously unpopular. I think we are going to lose the next election. The only way we win is if people feel better off and I have not heard a serious argument from

Apps, activists and an ‘air war’: Essex campaign is test of Reform UK’s professionalisation

strategy for the next general election. “The capture of that voter intention data is going to help us going forward,” the branch official added. Other Reform targets such as Birmingham city council would represent significant

‘It’s more incrementalism’: Starmer’s safe king’s speech fails to quell mutiny

strategy. Over 34 bills and three draft ones, Starmer set out a programme he said would “make this country stronger and fairer”. But the package, [which included](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/13/kings-speech-government-keir-starmer-legislative-agenda-next-12-months) limiting trial by jury, reshaping

Analysis: Andy Burnham's route back to the Commons is clearer - but one big hurdle remains

Starmer used his authority and control over Labour's ruling National Executive Committee to block Burnham from standing. This time, Number 10 has indicated it will not seek to block him again. After a week

Lonely at the top: who are Keir Starmer’s allies as daunting May elections loom?

party. All that said, Starmer is not totally isolated. Unlike some prime ministers, whose connections in parliament felt largely transactional, there are people in Starmer’s working life who are genuine friends. Additionally

Starmer under pressure as Labour suffers heavy election losses including historic Wales defeat

Starmer has insisted he will not quit as prime minister and "plunge the country into chaos", as Labour reels from significant election losses. The results in England, Scotland and Wales have piled pressure

How Reform won votes from Swansea to Sunderland

Starmer certainly paid off, drowning out any positive local messages Labour tried to sell. Anger about small boat crossings also played a part. But is this as simple as a rejection of the current

Partygate v Mandelson: Keir Starmer faces attack from his own playbook

strategy is to trap the prime minister progressively until he can no longer deny that he misled parliament.” 

Wednesday briefing: How Trump’s attempt to reopen to strait of Hormuz brought war closer again

strategy and the likelihood of a return to war. But first, this morning’s headlines. ## Five big stories 1. ***UK politics*** | Zack Polanski falsely claimed to be a spokesperson for the British Red Cross while

Tuesday briefing: With unease at home spreading, what next for Russia’s isolated leader?

party to fund a lavish personal lifestyle. 4. ***Cost of living*** | Higher prices could persist over the summer even if ceasefire talks between the US and Iran bear fruit, consumers have been warned, with [economic