Keir Starmer's personality

[dustcollective]

Not so much a political commentary here or asking about people's voting intentions, but more about Starmer's personality- a lot of the press seems to paint Keir Starmer out to be "posh" and "boring / grey", however it seems he really isn't either of those things - having just read an extract from a biography of him. I had no idea how challenging his childhood was, his brothers needs, schoolyard fights or how emotionally abusive his father was - not letting them have tv in the house, insisting on silence at the dinner table, no hugging or warmth. I knew about his mums poor health but not to the extent that she / they suffered. It must have bed. So hard for the children.

I found it interesting that he hasn't really "mined" any of these experiences to sell himself and has kept most of it largely private. He's talked about his mums health and his dad being a toolmaker but hasn't shared much else and often comes across as somewhat rigid and dull. In some ways I suppose it's refreshing that he doesn't go on about his upbringing - a contrast to the likes of "Spare" etc - but also I feel he's not coming across as who he truly is. I now think so much more of him having read this and was quite surprised by it all.

If anyone's interested the link is here www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dee0d8b7-c480-4882-a0f2-4f31300f2c02?shareToken=b2a4a731e2c198fb2abafef4137744f8

I’m intrigued - what’s my real, secret and sinister reason?

@HermioneWeasley

Why, because you're a Tory, dear. I think I made that quite clear. No one could claim Labour are worse than Conservatives regarding women's issues and keep a straight face, unless they had an interest in the Conservatives winning an election.

It's their words for "Not actually cancelling non dom status like we said we would"

Yep. Because it was shite for obvious reasons

And that is why politically astute politicians don't make BIG HUGE pledges, to which they tie the identity of their party, four years before there's even going to be an election.

Well, shite pledges or not:

Labour love to announce plans, then decide to ditch them.

"It is the latest in a series of major policy reversals since he became Labour leader, including dropping a promise to scrap university tuition fees and to impose higher rates of income tax on top earners."

Where has anybody on this thread smeared Keir?

Yep they could offer donkeys at this point. A shame they’re wasting an opportunity on the stuff they are

Still I’m glad they’re listening, maybe reading my posts

Bloody slow on the uptake

A couple more things to change

Oh for sure, Labour will win the next general election. But they're not above ditching policies and sucking up to bankers, just like the Tories.

Still not sure what Sir Keir actually stands for.

Well, that was almost a year ago @LoveAHamSandwhich and doesn't seem to have dented their popularity. I think most of us realise that some things will need to be scaled back or even scrapped due to the absolute financial shithole we are in.

So, Labour are now not going to ditch non doms, Or do their big green new deal. Or cap bonuses.

I guarantee you, another thing that will go - maybe after the election - is VAT on school fees.

Hopefully. If they have any sense

We’ve had a “big personality” in charge recently (Boris) look how that one turned out. Honestly, give me boring any day at this point, let’s just dial it right back to vanilla. All the “excitement” courtesy of the Tories can fuck right off. Not saying I love the bloke and I have felt disappointed at his lack of strong opinions on certain issues at times. But I can’t deal with another term of Tory leadership.

I’m definitely voting Labour as usual. I do care about women’s rights- I’m a woman and I have a daughter- but I have a sneaking suspicion that the Tories are much worse for women’s rights than Labour are. I know they are in fact.

I think John Major and Theresa May were from an ordinary background. I don't know Liz Truss's background.
Mind you John Major ( the Grey Man ) had an affair with Edwina Currie so that takes him a little out of the ordinary

More austerity then? I personally think there are arguments to be made for investment and spending. Austerity is making people poorer, which means they buy less stuff, which is bad for the economy, productivity and overall health of the country. I would usually vote Labour, but although I'd like the Tories to go, I can't see how Labour will be any different.

I really hope not austerity @stormy4319trevor and particularly not cutting benefits.

I actually agree in that I don't think Labour will be radically different to the Tories, but like you I want the Tories out. Labour won't be be corrupt like the Tories or have their insatiable greed for filling their own and their friends coffers. Plus I don't think Labour will be so wilfully cruel.

@LadyEloise1

Truss went to my husband's school, after he'd left. She lies about it being a comp with low expectations (despite it getting her to Oxford!) Compared to other schools in the city it's considered quite posh and traditional (the head wore cap and gown around school), especially the sixth form. Her background was similar to others at that school, soundly middle class - the children of medical consultants, high ranking council officials and local civil servants and well-to-do immigrants etc. She is interesting only in that someone with such little character, integrity or intellect could find themselves the figurehead and pawn of the neoliberals and unsavoury right.

I love the idea that someone who became a QC, then Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of the Crown Prosecution Service, then leader of the Labour Party (without going to Eton or Oxbridge or being from a very wealthy background) is not a leader, as a PP said. Mmm.

What exactly is a leader then? A journalist who got sacked from several jobs for lying? Great credentials there. I know who I'd trust to lead a business or a country.

@EasternStandard well tbf you’re a one trick pony whose obsessions are gender ID and stopping the boats, shouted from your little undoubtedly middle class bubble and nothing else to worry about 😂

Hahaha 😂

It sounds like you have the obsession. Are you the one that always writes posts like this 😬 you must be.

Odd stalkery poster that you are

I post on economics too. Hence recognising Labour’s policies didn’t stack up way before they did.

Not hard for anyone who can think

@IClaudine I hope you are right, since they are likely to win. I'm thinking of voting Green, unless Labour come up with some compelling plans to rescue us all from the decline. I can't quite bring myself to vote for a leader and party whose intentions and integrity I doubt.

It.
Isn’t.
Ditched.

£28 billion.
Pledge.
To.
£5 billion.
Plan.
Equals.
£28 billion.
Pledge.
Ditched.

I couldn't give a shit about any politician's personality. I care if they are competent and share my values. We got 'witty personality' with Boris and look where that bloody got us... I just want someone decent and good.