There's no such thing as Starmerism - and that's the problem

As Labour gets a hammering in the polls, what is the problem with Sir Keir Starmer?

The most simple answer is that it is obvious what Starmer is against, but unclear what he is actually for.

Having won the Labour leadership as the continuity candidate, he quickly decided he was opposed to Corbynism. As the Conservatives vote collapsed, he won the 2024 general election by being opposed to Rishi Sunak, but standing on a largely empty mainfesto. Nearly a year on, and not much has changed, and now it is Labour tanking votes.

As Michael Gove wrote in The Spectator of 5 April: "The reason Labour finds itself in this abject and indefensible position is because it failed to develop a coherent political economy in opposition. It had no theory of change for the state, no industrial strategy worth the name, no philosophy of public service reform, and no account of why the Conservatives failed other than that they were, well Tories."

Hence today's results. It is also why Blue Labour is now having a degree of influence and public recognition. They at least have a programme and some thinkers, while Starmer has power, but no idea what he actually wants it for.