Whatever your personal political persuasion the anointment of a new Prime Minister has direct consequences for us all. Described by the former Lord Chancellor Lord Hailsham as an ‘elected dictatorship’ the turbulent political events of the last decade have shed light on the very real autonomy and power that comes with the role of First Lord of the Treasury. Nevermind the neighbour next door, the archaic title reveals the key responsibilities the occupier of Number 10 is expected to perform: manage the country’s finances.

With Keir Starmer now able to spend more time with his family political pundits are dissecting his downfall with alacrity. How could a Prime Minister with a large majority be forced from office in less than 2 years? Much has been written about the pressures of the 24 hour news cycle being compounded by the Wild West that is the current social media landscape. More has been spoken about Starmer’s apparent lack of vision exposing a void where there should have been a coherent plan. The impact of policy u-turns being compounded by spurious judgments about a key ambassadorial appointment seemed only to galvanise those across the political spectrum who felt that he was simply not up to the job.

Wherever one looks the one criticism of Starmer’s tenure that is omnipresent is his lack of presentational skills. Variously described as ‘wooden’, ‘robotic’, ‘grey’, these are the more flattering descriptions of the man whose poor approval ratings appear unmatched. Colleagues and friends have spoken of their frustration that the funny, affable and kind family man they know would freeze face to face with a camera. This perhaps reveals how Starmer became so unpopular so quickly.  Interviews with journalists, whether hurriedly curated soundbites or lengthy interrogations, matched major speeches with their performative, seemingly contrived delivery and tone.  As a consequence Starmer appeared to lack authenticity. 

The heated debate about the impact of social media continues as the political temperature rises in a febrile nation. The dog days of summer are casting deep shadows where malevolent forces reside, ominously waiting for their opportunity to seize political control. Unregulated social media supported by a right wing popular press happy to espouse the biased, racist and misogynistic views of the ruling elite have done much to propagate divisive behaviours and attitudes that are becoming increasingly normalised. And yet amidst this visceral haze there appears to be a shift, a tangible recognition and acknowledgement that we consume our daily diet of doom scrolled fodder at our peril: the news may indeed be fake.

Perhaps then Starmer failed as a politician because his public appearances were “too” performative.  He didn’t grasp that to communicate effectively in modern times politicians are required to adopt an open and honest approach when speaking to an electorate immersed in a virtual world of aggressive algorithms and omnipresent influencers. An accomplished musician (as a teenager Starmer studied flute at the Guildhall School of Music before embarking on a career in law) perhaps he was misguided in adopting an apparently statesmanlike persona in the same way a classically trained musician might conform to anticipated protocols. Enter stage left, perform, acknowledge audience, retreat. The consequence is that the public never had the opportunity to feel as though they knew the man behind the guarded facade.  With a genuine commitment to the arts and creative education (again sadly not articulated effectively) it is a great pity that for Starmer the curtain is closing irrevocably on both the domestic and world stage.