Guardians Opinion on Keir Starmer's Strategy Against Populists
A Guardian opinion piece published on January 1, 2026, argues that Keir Starmer is not doing enough to effectively counter the rise of populist groups, particularly Reform UK led by Nigel Farage. The article calls for a comprehensive and strategic counter-plan to address the growing threat posed by populists not only in the UK but worldwide, citing figures such as Orbán, Erdoğan, Modi, Trump, Fico, and Babiš, who have used tactics to undermine free elections, media independence, and judicial systems.
The authors advocate for a reset within the Labour Party modeled on New Labour's pre-1997 reorientation, emphasizing a new strategy encompassing branding, policy, presentation, and organization. They reference a 1995 Tony Blair planning meeting as a precedent for such a transformation. While acknowledging that Labour has taken some initial steps under Starmer — such as publicly framing the party's relationship with Europe and critiquing Brexit, along with the use of TikTok videos — the piece contends these efforts are insufficient given internal Labour conflicts and the scale of the populist challenge.
Key elements of the proposed solution include a two-front approach: first, the creation of a semi-autonomous digital narrative unit designed to dominate daily online attention; and second, the initiation of a long-term cultural overhaul to recruit authentic communicators capable of engaging audiences on platforms beyond traditional media. Additionally, the plan calls for establishing a permanent local 'ground war' network modeled on Stacey Abrams' organizing methods in Georgia. This grassroots effort would involve listening closely to local issues, launching targeted campaigns, and publicizing small political victories.
The authors urge a shift away from a traditional "air war" focused on national media towards building a robust local action network, warning that relying solely on a containment strategy will fail and that Labour cannot afford to delay any longer. The article references the website winningagainstpopulists.com—co-founded by Chris Powell and David Cowan—and highlights contemporary international efforts, including US strategies to bolster European populist parties and connections through the conservative Political Action Conference and Steve Bannon.
