Every morning, a senior member of Sir Keir Starmer’s team wakes up with the fear that the Labour Party might mess up their chances of winning the next election. After four consecutive defeats and years in opposition, the party is psychologically scarred by the prospect of failure. They are haunted by past election losses and are reminded of the bitter disappointments of leaders like Neil Kinnock and Ed Miliband.
The recent setback in Uxbridge and South Ruislip has only intensified their fears. The party worries that if they can lose a by-election they expected to win, they could face an even bigger shock in the general election. As a result, Labour’s high command is taking a defensive approach, trying to protect themselves from attacks by the Tories and right-wing media.
This strategy, often referred to as “getting the barnacles off the boat,” involves suppressing any contentions that might favor the Conservatives while making it harder for them to attack Labour. To avoid being portrayed as reckless with the nation’s finances, Labour has postponed or abandoned some of its big spending plans. They have also ruled out returning to the single market or customs union and made compromises on issues like welfare cuts and workers’ rights.
However, this cautious approach has its critics. Some argue that Labour is becoming known for what it has given up rather than the policies it promotes. They worry that Sir Keir is conceding too much to the right, limiting the party’s ability to deliver real change. Even those sympathetic to his focus on winning power believe that Labour needs to display more confidence in both its ideas and prospects.
The caution is not just about protecting against Tory attacks; it also reflects an interpretation of the electorate’s mood. Labour believes that voters have become cynical about politicians, despairing about the country’s condition, and lacking faith in anyone’s ability to solve problems. They are skeptical of grand promises and expensive policies. The party recognizes that it needs to understand and address this mood to have a chance at winning.
Hope is the missing ingredient. The centre-left has traditionally succeeded by combining realism and optimism, convincing people that they will be responsible in office while generating excitement about what a change of government can achieve. Unfortunately, Labour has not yet found a way to break through the current sense of pessimism and inspire hope in the electorate.
Overall, Labour’s high command is driven by fear of failure and a desire to protect against attacks. They are aware of the challenges they face and are trying to navigate a difficult political climate. However, there is a need for more confidence, optimism, and a clear vision that can resonate with voters and offer them hope for the future.
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