Keir Starmer

Urmstongran

I wouldn’t know how to ‘sneer’ Lucca. It really isn’t in my nature. But then I have to remember you don’t know me.
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True. But we can only judge people by how they put themselves across on the forum. And having fun and games on a thread about a programme that you said yourself you have no intention of ever watching doesn’t show you in the best light. Why even bother to take part in the discussion if it isn’t to just stir things up —cause trouble—

I wouldn’t know how to ‘sneer’ Lucca. It really isn’t in my nature. But then I have to remember you don’t know me.
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MazieD: I think you are unfairly stereotyping the British voter. Collectively, they may well have more common sense that many in politics. I understand that might be difficult to prove but many in politics don't set the bar very high.

Polls do not have an unblemished record and mid-term, they are never proven or disproven. I suspect many people will make their voting decision when they have to, not before. I also suspect many will make up their minds on the least-bad option; but, even so, Starmer has plenty of work to do.

With everything else on our plates and an uncertain outlook, I imagine PR would not register on many people's political Richter scale. I did not introduce the topic and am happy to let it go.

Not sure what what the BBC reported has to do with this discussion. AV is not proportional representation. But that was all we were offered. Can't think why Clegg went along with it.

I'm not sure how PR would fare in a referendum now. The British voter seems to really love being sh*t on. Look how the polls rise for Johnson after every fresh revelation of his total incompetence and corruption...

Urmstongran

Well it seems the Labour vultures are circling the oh so lovely Starmer. He’s toast already.

Come on, how about the facts that have been posted here for you to see, about Rochdale etc? That’s what you’ve been asked about.
Sorry but your debating style seems to consist of sneering and pretending to be under attack from “the left wing crowd “

Varian: That will be why the BBC reported the AV Referendum result as 'The UK has voted overwhelmingly to reject changing the way MPs are elected - dealing a bitter blow to Nick Clegg on top of heavy Lib Dem poll losses.' 'Mr Clegg said: "I wish I could say this was a photo finish but it isn't, the result is very clear. I'm a passionate supporter of political reform but when the answer is as clear as this, you have got to accept it.""This is a bitter blow for all those people, like me, who believe in the need for political reform."'

By the way, Rupert Murdoch companies own more than one news outlet, not all of which lean in the same direction.

For more than forty years no Prime Minister has won a general election without the support of Ruport Murdoch who is not even British.

The AV referendum was just a ploy to reinforce FPTP. which advantages the Tories, AV is not proportional representation. It is time the UK became a democracy - a country where the government is supported by the majority, not by a minority of voters.

Varian: Well, getting Rupert Murdoch's support worked for Tony Blair in 1997 so perhaps....

I seem to remember there was a Referendum to end FPTP in 2011 and the proposal was conclusively defeated. Of course, there is now a growing tradition among some in politics to keep asking the question until the public gives the right answer but hopefully not in this case.

I also seem to remember a Coalition proposal to re-draw the constituency boundaries and reduce the number of MPs. Constituency boundaries will finally be re-drawn for 2023 but, sadly, with still 650 MPs.

Starmer not Starker

There are two ways that Keir Starker could become our next PM-

Get Rupert Murdoch to support him

or

Support electoral reform and engage with all the other progressive parties to form an an alliance for one last FPTP election to defeat the Tories the bring in Proportional Representation.

It is a long time before we are likely to have another General Election so many things could happen before Starmer faces his major test to end Labour's lengthy time in opposition. It must be sobering for him, though, that, according to YouGov, he is rated 4th most popular Labour politician after Ed Balls, Gordon Brown and Sadiq Khan. YouGov's latest voting intention poll shows Conservative 43% and Labour 29%, this after a torrid time in office for the government.

yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2021/05/28/voting-intention-con-43-lab-29-27-28-may

Personally, I don't find Starmer very convincing; but that goes for most politicians and all parties. I suspect that I am not alone in the real world although perhaps in a minority here.

There are different types of opposition leader though, so kinnock for example was never going to be PM but he had a job to do and looking back he did that job well. I for one didnt realise it at the time. I am not saying that Starmer is like Kinnock but I think he may have a particular job to do. I feel as if I may have said this before, sorry if that's the case!

As a Conservative voter (but open to alternatives) I welcome a strong opposition and thereby a strong opposition leader, I am just not sure that KS is that leader?

I just don't think your average Joe or Jane Public is keen on him.

That's odd, because we were told earlier that Joe or Jane Public had never heard of him...

Talullah

He's often changing his mind. I have a relative who is a Labour councillor and she's hoping he might be removed before the next election.

twitter.com/hackneyabbott/status/1371427712267603968?lang=en

I just don't think your average Joe or Jane Public is keen on him.

What has he changed his mind on Talullah?

Ilovecheese

Three months ago he thought it would be wrong to raise corporation tax. Glad to see he has changed his mind.

Where has he said that?

He's often changing his mind. I have a relative who is a Labour councillor and she's hoping he might be removed before the next election.

twitter.com/hackneyabbott/status/1371427712267603968?lang=en

I just don't think your average Joe or Jane Public is keen on him.

Three months ago he thought it would be wrong to raise corporation tax. Glad to see he has changed his mind.

As a great and experienced Barrister, he knows timing is paramount. He will know when the time is right.

Ilovecheese

So is Keir Starmer in favour of raising corporation tax now?

it is currently 19%, and has been for a few years.

Katie59

Kali2

Exactly, the hypocrisy is mind blowing.

Starmer is biding his time- he is letting Johnson plenty of rope, and he is slowly making good/bad use of it. When the right time comes, Starmer will pounce, from such a great height, and he will be fully and totally 100% prepared.

Watch this space.

Biding his time maybe but that’s not what matters, unless he has the backing of the majority of the Labour Party behind him it will come to nothing. It’s only three and a half years to the next election, if he is going to be a credible candidate things have to change quickly.

Agreed- as Johnson will probably call the Election early in 2023.

Whilst I do not agree with some of the allegations made against our PM I do think it’s correct to keep ones private life private and not go on prime time mainstream TV in order to garner support for KS and the Labour Party.

Well our PM has much to be private about.

Kali2

Exactly, the hypocrisy is mind blowing.

Starmer is biding his time- he is letting Johnson plenty of rope, and he is slowly making good/bad use of it. When the right time comes, Starmer will pounce, from such a great height, and he will be fully and totally 100% prepared.

Watch this space.

Biding his time maybe but that’s not what matters, unless he has the backing of the majority of the Labour Party behind him it will come to nothing. It’s only three and a half years to the next election, if he is going to be a credible candidate things have to change quickly.

Kali2

Exactly, the hypocrisy is mind blowing.

Starmer is biding his time- he is letting Johnson plenty of rope, and he is slowly making good/bad use of it. When the right time comes, Starmer will pounce, from such a great height, and he will be fully and totally 100% prepared.

Watch this space.

Hello Kali2
I’m watching the space.
Unashamed to say I see Starmer as an ethical politician

So is Keir Starmer in favour of raising corporation tax now?