Keir Starmer stepping down as an MP

Casdon

I think foreign affairs were his strength as PM, so it sounds like a pragmatic move. I always think how soul destroying it must be to remain as an MP after being deposed, or losing an election, I’m surprised that Rishi Sunak is still hanging in there.

I really respect Sunak for that. I assumed he would leave parliament at the last election. I think quite often we only appreciate politicians when they’ve gone ( or finally see them for what they were).History will show more kindness to both Sunak and Starmer than their parties have ( Sunak supposedly having been treated badly by the Conservatives…he was never part of Johnson’s shenanigans)

Apparently KS originally said he would stay until the next election, but who can blame him for not being able to face that, for the reasons Casdon gives. Whatever he does I hope it brings him happiness, satisfaction and interest.

I’m a great admirer of Rishi Sunak. Had not heard about his Richmond Project.

“Integrity” really that’s the last word I expected to hear in relation to Keir Starmer.. still I suppose it takes all sorts..

Casdon

I don’t see it quite like that Oreo, I think once you’ve been PM it’s very hard to continue to motivate yourself, watching things change that you have set up and believed in is profoundly dispiriting, and you need a new challenge, leaving the MP role clear for a new young enthusiastic MP to make their mark.

I agree with this, and the comments on this thread show that whatever Labour politicians do they will be accused of duplicity and dishonourable motives by the mind-readers amongst us.

In his position I would find it very difficult to hang on, and fully understand why he feels the need to move on. He has proved himself an excellent international statesman, and feel sure that he will do well in that role without his every move being sneered at and second guessed - that must be so dispiriting. I wish him well.

Should never have left the day job.

Grantanow

Should never have left the day job.

Too late for that, though. To be fair, I think he did the right thing - although I think he did a lot of good things he didn't get the message across, which is very important.

Certainly won't be missed by many.

I'm not sure that ex Prime Ministers can go back to the day job? At least not in the same capacity.
I think Rishi Sunak works part time back at Goldman Sachs but only as an advisor in specific areas.v I guess it's all to do with confidentiality.

I do agree with you Casdon . I don't think I would like to work with a group of people who had been so disloyal and underhand.
I think he had great integrity and because he didn't play the personality game he was seen as dull and lacking in talent. It's interesting that he was well regarded on the International stage.
I wish him well.

Casdon

I don’t see it quite like that Oreo, I think once you’ve been PM it’s very hard to continue to motivate yourself, watching things change that you have set up and believed in is profoundly dispiriting, and you need a new challenge, leaving the MP role clear for a new young enthusiastic MP to make their mark.

Maybe khan could follow suit & leave his position to someone young & ambitious.
He seems to think Nottinghill was a huge success, even though there was over 600 odd arrests.
Disgusting imo.

So if he couldn't be the boss he just couldn't be bothered.
Yes, it must be hard to go back to being just one of the team, but Rishi Sunak has managed with dignity, and Ed Milliband, even though he was never P.M. he was a leader and has managed to stay as an M.P.
If Starmer really wanted to help the country become a better place he would work for his constituents and swallow his pride.

Ilovecheese

So if he couldn't be the boss he just couldn't be bothered.
Yes, it must be hard to go back to being just one of the team, but Rishi Sunak has managed with dignity, and Ed Milliband, even though he was never P.M. he was a leader and has managed to stay as an M.P.
If Starmer really wanted to help the country become a better place he would work for his constituents and swallow his pride.

I really liked Rishi, although I had stopped voting for them. I thought he was a lovely man.

If KS has found something better to do then good luck to him. He and his team were poor at promoting themselves but some some good things were done by Labour under Starmer.
I wish him well.

M0nica

He obviously noticed how well Tony Blair, a fellow lawyer, has done since he resigned.

Different kettle of fish. Tony Blair had a bit of charisma and charm. Starmer had neither and who would want to listen to him in his boring, monotonous voice? The nasal knight indeed. About as interesting as watching paint dry.

If his heart is no longer in it best if he goes. As one door closes another opens as the saying goes so there may well be something else in line.

MaizieD

Did anyone read the news item? It doesn't sound to me as though he is going back to being a lawyer

In a statement to the Camden New Journal newspaper, he said it had been a "huge honour and privilege" to represent the constituency for 11 years but he would now turn his focus to "international affairs".

Mind you, that is what past PMs tend to do, isn't it? 'International affairs'... Hmm

There are always some who don't read or watch the referenced article in the OP Maizie. It's sad (and annoying) but, just as some PMs had stayed and some moved on to other areas of service to the country, there will be the doomsters on GN. I really don't think they are going to start garnering an informed opinion anytime soon.

It was an interesting, balanced article. Thank you!