Keir Starmer Struggles at PMQs Amid Tory Leadership Dynamics and Budget Committee Scrutiny
Keir Starmer delivered a poor performance at Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), with Ed Davey pressing him on issues including US security strategy and ties with Europe, in a setting described as panto-like with a snappy speaker intervention. Starmer appeared defensive and reliant on others for leadership credibility, with Labour facing internal leadership chatter and potential changes.
Kemi Badenoch, the current Tory leader, is portrayed as benefiting from the low bar required to remain in her position. Despite polls indicating a decline for the Conservatives, backbenchers' morale has been boosted and her chances of continuing in the role have increased. Badenoch's team deliberately steered her away from fringe discussions, advising a straightforward PMQ style focused on basics and highlighting Labour's weaknesses in health, education, policing, and energy.
Ed Davey used PMQs not only to question Starmer about domestic policies but also to comment on issues tied to Donald Trump and related civilisational concerns, with Starmer failing to robustly rebut or condemn Trump-linked matters. Davey additionally pressed for closer economic ties with the European Union, suggesting that Starmer's stance on Europe could influence whether he remains in office next year.
Meanwhile, Labour’s Rachel Reeves faced a demanding 90-minute session at the Treasury select committee regarding budget leaks and briefings. This prompted plans to investigate such leaks further, alongside Starmer’s pursuit of an inquiry into leadership-leak disclosures. The recent budget received praise from left-wing backbenchers and financial markets but was largely dismissed by others, with Reeves noting the difficulty in measuring growth accurately.
Overall, PMQs and budget debates were seen as part of a broader Christmas recess mood in Westminster, emphasizing a focus on leadership challenges and a style of political theatre resembling pantomime.
