Embattled and looking increasingly forlorn, Sir Keir Starmer has lost the support of another Cabinet minister and friend.
The latest blow to the PM was revealed by Tom McTague, editor of the influential New Statesman magazine, the bible for Labour Party activists.
Just six months ago, McTague said it did not seem plausible that the PM would face a leadership crisis before the year end.
‘Yet that is where we are. To give you an idea of how things have changed, back in the summer I was at a party at Westminster when I bumped into one of [Starmer’s] most senior Cabinet ministers,’ he writes in the magazine. ‘When I asked about the PM’s fortunes the minister declared they “would walk over hot coals for that man”.’
Tom McTague, editor of the influential New Statesman magazine – the bible for Labour Party activists
And now? ‘When I saw the same person last week they were personally furious with the leader they had considered a friend and felt it was all over.’
McTague, an influential voice to Labour supporters and well-connected with the party, says the magazine remains a critical friend of the PM and the Government. ‘But it is clear he cannot afford another year like the one he has just been through. The country voted for things to change and they must.’
Comedian, presenter and opera fan Frank Skinner recalls meeting Baroness [Harriet] Harman, former deputy leader of the Labour Party and the high priestess of political correctness. ‘Harman said to me: “Don’t tell me you like opera!” And I said: “You’re supposed to encourage social mobility.”’
In her first Budget speech Rachel Reeves pronounced: ‘I am keeping every single promise on tax that I made in our manifesto, so there will be no extension of the freeze in income tax and National Insurance thresholds beyond the decisions by the previous government.’
Last week, at the Treasury Select Committee, the Chancellor said of the freeze: ‘We extended that for a further three years. That is not a breach of the manifesto, but it is asking everybody to contribute more.’
You just can’t believe a word she says.
The Justice Secretary is considering wiping childhood criminal records because they affect future job prospects. Is this the same David Lammy whose colleagues bang on about what Nigel Farage may or may not have said as a teen?
Reform leader and Crystal Palace fan Nigel Farage has been signing black football shirts with ‘Farage 10’ emblazoned in gold on the back. He is signing 700 of them to sell, hoping to raise £245,000 for party coffers.
With Keir Starmer cancelling mayoral elections he seemed destined to lose to Reform, Elon Musk posted a snap of the PM with the joke: ‘Free speech has not been banned in the UK and we will arrest anyone who says it has.’
Will ex-PMs’ expenses be hit next?
Complaints about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s tenure at Royal Lodge resulted in subsequent revelations about other lavish royal accommodations.
Perhaps the new Home Office review into Prince Harry’s request for taxpayer-funded security will similarly throw an unwelcome light on eight former prime ministers benefiting from state-funded police protection, including uber-wealthy Tony Blair, David Cameron and Rishi Sunak – and Liz Truss, who lasted just 49 days.
They can claim up to £115,000 a year for office costs, too. Shouldn’t that also be up for debate?
Singer-songwriter Mike Batt revealed he once whinged to Sir Paul McCartney that he is only known for writing the music for The Wombles. ‘Straight-faced, without irony, the Fab Four member replied: “Yeah, I have the same problem with The Beatles.”’
