Sir Keir’s moralistic stance returns to haunt him

Sir Keir Starmer consistently seizes every opportunity to criticize the government, whether their wrongdoings are real or perceived. He has repeatedly called for the Prime Minister’s resignation during the partygate saga and demanded the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, to do the same after he was fined by the Metropolitan Police for breaking lockdown rules. This moralizing stance from Sir Keir has reportedly caused unease within his shadow Cabinet, as they believe it prevents Labour from addressing more pressing issues concerning voters.

However, Sir Keir has now found himself entangled in allegations of breaking coronavirus rules. Last year, he was filmed drinking beer with colleagues in the Durham office of MP Mary Foy. Despite Sir Keir dismissing the incident as a meal break during a work event that did not breach the rules, Labour had to concede that Angela Rayner, the party’s deputy leader, was also present. Furthermore, it has come to light that a sizable amount of food was ordered from a nearby takeaway, potentially indicating the presence of up to 30 individuals. Durham Constabulary recently announced that they will investigate the gathering, reversing their previous decision, citing new and significant information.

This investigation poses a serious challenge for Sir Keir as the police are only examining one event, while the Metropolitan Police are investigating multiple alleged breaches at Downing Street. As the leader of the opposition, he is not directly responsible for the rules he is accused of breaking. Nonetheless, Sir Keir steadfastly supported the government’s restrictions and even urged ministers to go further at times. The fact that he is unlikely to receive a fine, due to Durham’s policy of not retroactively imposing fines for coronavirus rule violations, is irrelevant. The Labour leader deemed it sufficient cause for the Prime Minister’s removal from office that Boris Johnson was under investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

Sir Keir sought to capitalize politically on the discomfort faced by the Prime Minister, believing he could contrast his own serious and responsible demeanor with Mr. Johnson’s more laissez-faire approach to life. However, he now finds himself cornered, as virtually every political attack he launches against his rivals can be turned back on him. By his own logic, resignation appears to be his only viable option.