Labour faces uphill path as Starmer fights to convince party and public

London — Labour faces mounting questions about its direction as Prime Minister Keir Starmer heads into the party's annual conference in Liverpool. Recent polls have shown rising public skepticism about his leadership and decision-making, even as some Labour figures defend his handling of foreign policy and Ukraine. Inside the party, officials describe a mood of frustration over messaging, priorities, and pace of reform.

Across government and Labour circles, Starmer is widely seen as intelligent and diligent, but insiders warn that his leadership has been weighed down by a slow decision-making pace and a struggle to articulate a single, coherent governing narrative. A Whitehall official questioned whether Starmer is well suited to the job, with others flagging concerns about judgment in personnel moves and policy direction. Several associates say he often comes across as a chairman rather than a chief executive, making it hard for colleagues to understand what he believes and where he wants to take the country.

Supporters point to Starmer's steadiness on the world stage, arguing he has not put a foot wrong in foreign policy and has helped steer support for Ukraine. They note the reshuffle has placed people in roles that fit their strengths, which they say could yield better results in time. But at home, the public mood remains uncertain, and Labour MPs worry that without a sharper story, the party may continue to ebb in the polls.

Over the past weeks, Labour has contended with high-profile departures, including Angela Rayner and Lord Mandelson, and a swirl of private chatter about Andy Burnham's ambitions. In private, many figures say the party lacks a unifying policy priority, which undermines morale. Some ministers describe Starmer's failure to lay out a compelling, singular project as a core weakness, with colleagues unsure of which policies will come first or why they matter to voters.

Facing those questions, Starmer and his aides are pressing for a clearer case about what the government will deliver, whether in education, health, welfare, or economic renewal. Several officials argue that a unifying theme—such as reform, patriotism, or a broad economic plan—must emerge and be communicated with conviction. There is debate inside the party about which priorities should take precedence, and some warn that without a coherent through-line the public will remain unconvinced. Some observers say the absence of a single guiding narrative makes it harder to mobilize support during difficult moments.

Inside and outside Labour, there is candid discussion about whether Starmer can still lead if the party remains broadly unpopular. Some fear a leadership contest could follow a further electoral setback, while others argue there is no obvious successor with wide support. The prevailing view is that any leadership upheaval would require broad agreement and would not be swift, given the Conservatives’ own leadership uncertainties and the lack of a clear alternative.

There is a sense that the conference represents the best remaining opportunity to reset. The prime minister has signaled an emphasis on a more assertive communication style and a clearer argument for “patriotic renewal,” hoping to rebuild trust with voters. If the government can show progress on measures such as reforms related to Hillsborough, a renewed returns deal with France, and a digital ID program, aides hope momentum could shift perceptions of Starmer’s leadership. Yet even some of Starmer’s strongest supporters acknowledge he is not a natural explainer and often avoids routine debates, which can leave his case underdeveloped in the public eye.

Two enduring questions remain: what is the governing project, and who is best to deliver it? Without a shared, crisp answer, opponents argue, Labour risks becoming buffeted by events rather than shaping them. A Whitehall figure summed up the tension by noting that while there is no consensus on a precise policy menu, the party needs a credible story that explains why voters should trust Starmer and what the government would do differently.

There is real concern that, even with a potential return to form, the country is facing broader, longer-running challenges for center-left parties worldwide. The clock still shows more than three years until the next general election, providing time for recalibration. But the mood inside Labour is unsettled: frustration is wide and deep, and the lack of a clear, widely supported alternative to Starmer compounds fears that the party could drift further in the polls if it cannot articulate its vision.

Even as leadership chatter persists, several insiders insist that changing course is not futile but requires disciplined messaging and decisive action. One observer close to the prime minister suggested that Starmer could still turn the page with a strong conference speech and a convincing demonstration of why his government deserves a chance to govern. Yet others warn that, in a political landscape where a single misstep can cascade into a crisis of confidence, the party must move quickly to show its plan in tangible terms.

The party’s future, and Starmer’s tenure, may hinge on whether he can convert cautious optimism within his ranks into a persuasive, public-facing narrative. And for now, the question remains: can he sell a clear, credible direction to a public hungry for stability and results, or will the current mood persist as Labour contends with internal tensions and an unsettled political moment?