Labour Party Dynamics: Brexit, Leadership, and Internal Challenges
Since 2018, Keir Starmer's approach to Brexit has evolved from advocating a second referendum with the option to remain in the EU to accepting the post-Brexit settlement, including staying out of the single market and customs union. In May 2024, a UK-EU deal aimed at closer ties was reached, with ongoing talks addressing details like food checks, carbon tariffs, youth mobility, and Erasmus. Starmer has maintained firm red lines against reversing core Brexit outcomes, though internal Labour debates continue about potentially rejoining the customs union—a move complicated by trade policy implications. Public opinion polls reveal a majority now view Brexit negatively, and while some favour closer ties with the EU, a broad re-entry is politically unlikely. Nick Thomas-Symonds has joined the cabinet to bolster Labour's role in EU negotiations, reflecting a strategic, incremental engagement with Brussels.
Within Scottish Labour, reports surfaced of some MPs seeking to oust Starmer ahead of the May Holyrood elections. Though leadership-challenge rules require 80 MPs to trigger a contest, only 37 Scottish Labour MPs exist, with 15 holding front bench roles. Anas Sarwar is positioned to lead the Scottish campaign, focusing on contrasting with the SNP and minimizing the UK leadership's role in the campaign. Starmer plans a limited role in Scottish campaigning, with a visit within six months post-election. Labour's recent by-election win in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse was credited to strong local campaigning and data-driven efforts. The party grapples with concerns about election performance while emphasizing organisational strength and policies like lifting the two-child benefit cap.
Meanwhile, Labour faced internal and external turmoil from anonymous briefings alleging leadership challenges and plots involving ministers like Wes Streeting. Starmer denied these claims and sought accountability for the leaks, calling for sacking those responsible. The Prime Minister condemned attacks on ministers and engaged with Streeting to repair relations, while uncertainty remained over the origin and authorization of the briefings. Criticism centred on No 10's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, with calls for a leak inquiry and preventive measures. This episode highlights the broader unpopularity of both Starmer's leadership and the government, fueling internal debates over Labour's future strategy and leadership stability.
