This 10-point plan would allow Keir Starmer to get a grip on his government. He should read it and fast | John McTernan

2026-02-11 - 15:05

While things are terrible right now, he has a radical manifesto to draw on, a landslide majority and breathing space. But he must seize the day After his worst week ever, could Keir Starmer be about to have a season of renewal? Quite possibly, if he learns from his near-death experience. When most leaders stumble, they don’t get a second chance: they are too exposed and their rivals pounce. As the saying goes, in politics your enemies are all on your own side – the opposition are merely opponents. But this isn’t a late third-term government running out of road with a slim majority and no new ideas. It’s only about a year and half in, with a radical manifesto and a landslide majority. As prime minister, Starmer not only has breathing space but also the most untrammelled power of any democratic leader in the global north. Even Donald Trump has individual states to contend with – the UK is a unitary system. So here are 10 steps Starmer can take to stay in office. John McTernan was Tony Blair’s political secretary at 10 Downing Street Continue reading...