Starmer: Is he really capable?

[JoyintheMorning]

https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?artguid=2e6f4e24-731b-44df-98a6-eff77e24e73b
This is from The Times today. I don't think this is good enough behaviour from a Prime Minister. Do you? He should have been in the Chamber and taken the flack.
Will you still support Labour?

I think we need to consider the alternatives. We have had Johnson, Truss, Sunak - in what way did they do any better? Where are the better alternatives for the future?

All PMs are always faced with misbehaving MPs who cover up their misdeeds and then need to be dealt with. It is part of the job sadly.

I think Starmer has made some mistakes (as all PMs do) but in general I prefer his approach which I believe to be coming from a place of integrity rather than a place of cynicism and buffoonery.

He has proved himself on the world stage on our behalf in ways that no politician has done or many a year.

Not disagreeing about you comments on Johnson or Truss at all. But if he is a man of integrity as you think he is, should he not have answered those questions himself not left it to someone else.

I do not have a problem with this. He has dealt with Mandelson as we all might wish him to now that the extent of his wrongdoing is clear. He has a busy schedule and I see no problem with someone else conveying this on his behalf.

You could say it is cowardice or you could recognise how busy he is and the importance of delegation. Mandelson is dealt with and Starmer is on to his next duty.

Starmer is a classic example of the Peter Principal. He was a capable administrator for large public sector body but doesn't have the vision of communication skills to lead the country.

He is down to his die hard supporters. A large number of his own MPs have lost confidence in him.

Mandelson is hardly another misbehaving MP. Blair fired him for financial corruption. Despite knowing that and his well known connections to Epstein, Starmer still felt it he was the man to be our US ambassador. It has now come out that he leaked insider information to Epstein in the past. A big question is what on earth has he been leaking as US ambassador! Starmer should be having every communication he made reviewed.

Capable? Or culpable?

He repeatedly ignores warnings from MI5 and should be investigated IMO.

oh and the world stage…. We are being laughed at. Chagos, Lammy, the pathetic trip to china, espionage embassy approval. He just bends over and is a disgrace to the nation

Not quite the right questions are being asked about appointing Mandelson. Try asking why did he overrule a very capable and experienced professional who was respected in Washington and appoint his political chum. Wouldn't be in this mess and polluted with Epstein had the woman been left in post.

I think he was looking for someone who could handle Trump which was very much needed. He probably did pick a good option for that very particular job but in their haste to address a current issue completely disregarded a couple of decades of history.

Agree with all of this.

Totally agree. The press attack him constantly.
Rather him and the Labour party, than the Putin loving, free speech imposter and Trump sycophant that is Farage. At least we (and especially women) still have our human rights. For now at least..

People keep saying how impressive he is on the world stage. What’s he done that’s so great exactly?

Has not supported Ukraine very much, he will not stand up to Russia. If he really opposed Putin we would be building a bigger Army.
He has given in to China on many things including their persecution of those we promised to protect in Hong Kong. He is weak.
He is trying to give away the Chagos and our money with it.
He talks to the EU about trade and defence and is ignored at every step.
Pretty feeble really.
His supporters keep comparing him to Boris and Truss. They are a very low standard to use as comparators. (and I'm a Tory member).

I agree with you, but others on here keep saying how amazing he is on the world stage and how nobody else could do it. I don’t see if, but I’m keen to understand why they have such a glowing view of him in this regard. Am I missing something?

And what on Iran? Doesn’t seem that bothered about it.

I’m not anti Starmer in terms of his individual politics. My complaint is can’t be strong when he needs to be. But that is very difficult now when any one can whip up a storm in any direction at a moments notice. He’s just on the too bendy side of diplomatic and reasonable. I wouldn’t want him replaced.

He is also the best Labour can offer right now. Burnham wouldn’t get elected, however darling he is to the left, as the general mood in the country is simply not any further to the left despite wrangling over benefits etc.

Anyone?

I think he’s doing a great job and exactly what we need right now.
just quietly getting on with the job, leaving appointed people to do their jobs.

Chagos was set up by the conservatives after it was advised we return it. holding onto land that doesn’t want to be held onto isn’t a good look in this climate!

china visit, of course he had to go and visit a huge trading partner. Weve fucked over Europe and America has proved un trustworthy. So protecting those we have is hugely sensible for our economy.

he’s stood up to trump over our troops and remained diplomatic with him when needed. It’s a tightrope he’s managing fairly well given how unpredictable he is. We don’t need strong and volatile.

Chagos was set up by the conservatives after it was advised we return it. holding onto land that doesn’t want to be held onto isn’t a good look in this climate!

The Tories set it up. So What! I don't remember anyone promising a bundle of money with it. Do you?
The World has changed do not give away stuff that will help the Chinese. Sell it perhaps but don't give it away

Quite

They did the deal. Given his legal experience I reckon he’s been over that contract to check for loop holes.

you know we can keep a base there don’t you?

Chagos didn’t have to go ahead, that was Starmer. As Lammy pointed out they’d stop it if Trump said no. It was Labour who pressed ahead.

It is the unelected mate of Starmer that is pushing for us to give another government a huge amount of money just so he and Keir can develop a warm glow of righteousness. It is our money.

This