WTF’s Keir Starmer doing? He’s aiding a Blairite takeover.

Keir Starmer And Tony Blair


Support us and go ad-free

If you think the Labour Party has been in a mess since Thursday 6 May’s local elections, you’d be right. Because another political civil war is starting. But ultimately, as with all Labour in-fighting, the real casualties will be the poorest people in society.

Starmer: blame anyone but himself?

Late on Saturday 8 May, Twitter was awash with rumours that Starmer had sacked Angela Rayner. It was from her job as chairperson:

Apparently, it was partly to do with Starmer’s political secretary Jenny Chapman. The Sunday Times‘s political editor Tim Shipman tweeted that:

Related articles

Read on...

But Shipman also inadvertently made the ‘plot thicken’ with this deleted tweet:

Rumours circulated that Anneliese Dodds, Lisa Nandy, and Jon Ashworth’s jobs were also at risk. People’s feelings over the whole affair were mixed. Sociologist Gayle Letherby summed up many of the comments on Twitter:

Also of note was that Starmer didn’t have anyone from his shadow cabinet team on The Andrew Marr Show. So Sky‘s Sam Coates’ tweet takes on a bit more significance. Because the lack of a shadow cabinet guest could indicate the level of chaos:

Not “sacked” – “promoted”

Early on Sunday 9 May, Labour HQ said Starmer hadn’t “sacked” Rayner:

A Labour frontbencher seemed to confirm this on Sophy Ridge on Sunday. Shadow Scotland secretary Ian Murray said that Starmer had given Rayner a:

significant promotion which takes her from the back office to the front.

The BBC also reported that a Starmer “reshuffle” was incoming.

But who’s helping foment the chaos? Guardian commentator Owen Jones had an idea:

And Peter Mandelson was pushing for “reform” of Labour in the aftermath of the Rayner chaos:

Meanwhile, Starmer has also just made Deborah Mattison his new head of strategy. She was a pollster for New Labour for around 20 years. Oh, and she praised right-wing Reform UK’s Claire Fox for ‘taking a pin to the lefty bubble’:

So, what’s really going on?

Centrist civil war

It appears that the Labour Party is now in a state of civil war. On one side, you have the ‘softer left’: Burnham, Lucy Powell, and so on. Some are already tipping Burnham to launch a leadership bid.

Then, you have the centre right: Mandelson, Wes Streeting, Jess Phillips, Yvette Cooper and so on. People like former Blairite minister Andrew Adonis are openly tweeting things like this:

 

And If the current storm and impending civil war are centred around Chapman, then it would make sense.

She is former vice chair of the centre-right think tank Progress, and used to work for arch Blairite Alan Milburn. She seems to have been behind Starmer and Labour’s vision. Peter Mandelson’s assertions that ‘it was Corbyn, not Starmer wot lost Labour Hartlepool’ are telling – because Chapman was reportedly behind the party’s strategy there.

And of course, watching from the side lines are the socialist left. They’re probably thinking how familiar this all looks.

But ultimately observing this are the electorate.

Power at all costs

As The Canary previously reported, in the recent elections, and stretching back years before, many of the poorest voters have felt so detached from politics they no longer cast their ballots. On 6 May, the majority of them and voters more broadly didn’t even enter the polling booth. This included in Wales, where Labour won. And it’s this which is the eternal paradox within the party. It wants to be in power but doesn’t care if most of the public wants it to be or not.

Labour has spent the best part of a decade arguing with itself. Meanwhile, in that time working class voters have increasingly abandoned the party. Or they’ve felt so disconnected they haven’t voted at all. Even at Jeremy Corbyn’s seminal 2017 election, the reality was that only one in four of the poorest 11.5m voters actually voted for him.

So, if the soft left and centre right of Labour think that another civil war will help their decade-long decline, they’re sorely mistaken. To outsiders, it shows yet more detachment from their lives. It will probably mean years of Tory rule – and more suffering for the poorest people in the UK. But moreover, it shows the rabid desire for power at all costs that seems to exist among most Labour politicians and their backers.

Featured image via the BBC – YouTube and Good Morning Britain – YouTube

We know everyone is suffering under the Tories - but the Canary is a vital weapon in our fight back, and we need your support

The Canary Workers’ Co-op knows life is hard. The Tories are waging a class war against us we’re all having to fight. But like trade unions and community organising, truly independent working-class media is a vital weapon in our armoury.

The Canary doesn’t have the budget of the corporate media. In fact, our income is over 1,000 times less than the Guardian’s. What we do have is a radical agenda that disrupts power and amplifies marginalised communities. But we can only do this with our readers’ support.

So please, help us continue to spread messages of resistance and hope. Even the smallest donation would mean the world to us.

Support us
  • Show Comments

    1. WTF!? Canary Starmer is Blairite!
      They are Thatcher’s Neoliberal Neolabour Party TORIES!
      Please don’t tell me you consider him or any of the Starmerstruppen to be on the Left of Tory!!!?
      We are on out 41st Year of Tory Hell because people mistaken Blair/Thatcher’s Neoliberal Neolabour Party TORIES for being Left/Left Leaning or bogus “Centrist”!
      When will people wake up to Realise that there are 2 Opposing Parties involved!?
      Perhaps when the last 10/15 Democratic Socialist UK Labour Party MPs are Purged and we have, like the USA 2 fully Functioning Establishment Run TORY Parties!

      Report comment

    2. I’d guess that one reason so many Labour MPs truly despised Jeremy Corbyn as Leader, is because he made it hard for them to look into a mirror, but he couldn’t be ignored, Steve.

      Are we surprised at the return of New New Labour? No, of course not. Disappointed, yes. Disillusioned with both the political and media ‘classes’, yes. Millions looking for a new direction, yes. Disgusted that the Establishment thinks it can foist B’Liar upon us again, yes.

      Surprised at those running the PLP are so disconnected from the Public they are going to try this BS – no.

      Looks like the Tories will be able to run an election with the worst imaginable line-up, people that make Trump look like a decent caring POTUS, and romp home to a landslide. What is it with neolib, neocons infiltrating supposedly left parties and then being surprised when those voters don’t turn out for them?

      Little doubt Dave “Rendition” Milibland will be trotting back from the NY trough soon enough, and the grundiag will “swooon” as it does. :puke:.

      Looks like they figure the UK’s brief flirtation with actual democracy and policies for the benefit of the public, are safely buried in the past.

      Whats the betting the PLP will be changing the leadship voting system fairly soon?

      Report comment

      1. “so many Labour MPs truly despised Jeremy Corbyn as Leader, is because he made it hard for them to look into a mirror,”
        Less to do with mirrors, they are Tories. They’re perfectly comfortable with their reflections. It had more to do with ‘Under the Table’ Dodgy Tory Dealings!
        Even in Jeremy’s Leadership, he had not much say in many very important decisions, because Labour since Thatcher’s Boy Blair, became 2 Parties under Labour and the PLP was then:
        Democratic Socialist UK Labour Party = 20% PLP = For THE PEOPLE = Labour means The UK Labour Movement.
        VS
        Thatcher’s Neoliberal Neolabour Party TORIES = 80% PLP = For THEMSELVES & THE ESTABLISHMENT/ELITES/MACHINE = Labour means ‘Their’ Anti-Socialist Neoliberal Corporate BRAND Nothing to do with THE PEOPLE!

        Neoliberalism is Thatcher/Reagan revived, and Conservativism leaning towards Neoconservativism. Neoliberalism is not bogus “Centrism” nor is it Left/Left Leaning and it most certainly is not Socialism.

        And the Evil Bastards hide behind their “Labour” Brand, but no matter how much Neon and Flashing LED they slap on that thing, they will only ever be The TORY Parasite Party who infested, occupied and just about devoured the Host Party, The UK Labour Party!

        Report comment

        1. I Hate The Conservative Tories!
          I do however Hate Neolabour Party Tories, who robbed The People if BOTH, Once in a Lifetime Opportunities to Finally End 41 years of Neoliberal Thatcherite Tory Hell, so VERY, VERY MUCH MORE! Their conniving, sabotaging, undermining, lying, smearing, etc, etc, etc, cost THE PEOPLE of Britain VERY, VERY Dearly!
          Our House is infested with Parasites, Thatcher’s Neolabour Party Tories!
          ONLY ONE WAY TO DEAL WITH PARASITES!
          Remove them! ALL of them!

          DON’T vote FOR The Bastards, Vote them OUT! Vote of their Strongest Opponents Whoever or Whatever they are!
          BUT Vote EVERY Democratic Socialist MP/Candidate and Exiles IN!
          A Smaller PLP, Democratic Socialist UK Labour Party, with NO TORY Parasite conniving, sabotaging, undermining, lying, smearing, etc, etc, etc, will be far more Effective than having those bastards and their Culture of Fear!
          They are far more dangerous than The Inbred Buffoon and “Don’t you Dare to get Cold Feet!!!” by itself, proves that much!
          VOTE THEM OUT!

          A Smaller More Effective UK Labour Party PLP for one term with A Massive Reenergised Membership, CLPs and Councillors/Candidates for each and every vacant seat, campaigning and working with their Communities non stop for 5 years, The De-Toryfied Unions and we stand a damned good chance of taking Office after an additional 10 years to make it 51 Years of Tory Hell!
          Keep Pretending that they are “Left” of Thatcher and we will prolong the suffering for another 10/20/30/+++ years! VOTE them Out, Bite The Bullet, Do the Work and we will be free!

          I just wonder if “Comrades” would stop for a moment and ask themselves why Tory MSM and Tory Types refer to those People who you refer to so called “Centrist”/Centre-Left/Centre-Right, Steve, as Lefties!

          Centre Left/Right is occupied by Democratic Socialism!
          Unless you can show me the Far Left/Pure Left Policies/Manifestos/Actions of the Democratic Socialist UK Labour Party or any other Democratic Socialist Government. By calling Neolabour Tories “Centrist”, Centre-Left/Centre-Right, we are alienating an already MSM Mind F’ed Public.

          ‘Centrism’ is as much a tool as Neo’liberalism’ Centrism is Neoliberalism, Neoliberalism is Thatcherism, Neoliberalism is NOT Centre/”Centrist” nor is it Liberal, Neoliberalism is Conservative Toryism! They are TORIES NOT Left/Leftie/Soft Left/”Centrist”/Socialist, THEY ARE TORIES!

          Just like the USA they need 2 Equally Neoliberal and 2 Equally Evil Parties, for their Masters, The Elites/Establishment/Machine!
          The “Good” Cop/The Bad Cop, Equally Evil, one just speaks a bit more Eloquently and the Other a bit more “Cowboy”!
          Those Tory Types referring to Neolabour TORIES as Lefties etc, are Playing the Game, to the rules as set out by Reagan/Thatcher to get two Parties Equally Neoliberal and Equally Conservative/TORY!
          Thereby remove all Choice from THE PEOPLE, as both are the same Equally Elites/Establishment/Machine and it just depends on what “BRAND” you worship!
          THE PEOPLE Lose and The Elites/Establishment/Machine Wins & Wins Again!

          J!F!C! Has everyone forgotten 2015 to 2020!?

          This meme is a bit old but says what it needs to.
          https://www.reddit.com/r/UKpoliticalmemes/comments/n3s0kp/boycott_all_msm/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

          Report comment

      2. Has anyone else noticed that in many photos Starmer shows what can only be described as a look of glazed terror or distress. Does this expression reveal his true state of mind? Could this be the face of a man who is in a ghastly dilemma? Maybe he wants desperately to resign but is forbidden to do so by his controllers in THAT foreign country and dare not offend them for fear of being condemned as “antisemitic”. What if the “Witch Hunter General” is afraid of being “outed” as a witch himself, no proof required, the accusation alone is sufficient as we have repeatedly witnessed! Perhaps poor Sir Keir deserves our pity not our contempt?

        Report comment

        1. Any Fear and Horror on that man’s face is the Fear and Horror he is Planning on Wreaking! He has turned “Labour” into a Culture of Fear Practices! MP/Members are worried about the sack/suspension for what they say and about whom!

          “Don’t you Dare get Cold Feet!!!”

          Report comment

    3. Why cloud the “infighting” issue? One side tried appeasement (for five years), the second side wanted the others expelled and were allegedly guilty of racism and working for Conservative victories. Now the right-side are victorious and demand support from all those they have not suspended, expelled, or driven away. This is not infighting, it is the systematic destruction of the Labour Party.

      Report comment

      1. I Hate The Conservative Tories!
        I do however Hate Neolabour Party Tories, who robbed The People if BOTH, Once in a Lifetime Opportunities to Finally End 41 years of Neoliberal Thatcherite Tory Hell, so VERY, VERY MUCH MORE! Their conniving, sabotaging, undermining, lying, smearing, etc, etc, etc, cost THE PEOPLE of Britain VERY, VERY Dearly!
        Our House is infested with Parasites, Thatcher’s Neolabour Party Tories!
        ONLY ONE WAY TO DEAL WITH PARASITES!
        Remove them! ALL of them!

        DON’T vote FOR The Bastards, Vote them OUT! Vote of their Strongest Opponents Whoever or Whatever they are!
        BUT Vote EVERY Democratic Socialist MP/Candidate and Exiles IN!
        A Smaller PLP, Democratic Socialist UK Labour Party, with NO TORY Parasite conniving, sabotaging, undermining, lying, smearing, etc, etc, etc, will be far more Effective than having those bastards and their Culture of Fear!
        They are far more dangerous than The Inbred Buffoon and “Don’t you Dare to get Cold Feet!!!” by itself, proves that much!
        VOTE THEM OUT!
        A Smaller More Effective UK Labour Party PLP for one term with A Massive Reenergised Membership, CLPs and Councillors/Candidates for each and every vacant seat, campaigning and working with their Communities non stop for 5 years, The De-Toryfied Unions and we stand a damned good chance of taking Office after an additional 10 years to make it 51 Years of Tory Hell!
        Keep Pretending that they are “Left” of Thatcher and we will prolong the suffering for another 10/20/30/+++ years! VOTE them Out, Bite The Bullet, Do the Work and we will be free!

        Report comment

    4. “Centrist” is double-speak for “Neocon”. What were neocons about? Never-ending foreign wars. Preferably hidden under platitudes about how “It’s all for their best interests” as we bomb their weddings, bridges, water treatment plants, electricity generators, and markets. If not from the air, then by agents planting bombs pretending to be local insurgents.

      “Liberal Interventionism” is the neocon language for those that pretend to have a social conscience.

      The grundiag is a neocon outlet par excellence.

      Report comment

      1. Exactly so! Thatcher/Reagan used the term Neo’liberal’ for and in the same means but Neo’liberal’ is nowhere near Liberal, but it has invited Neoconservatism into Conservativism, while making people believe they are Liberal.
        Blair/Mandelson/Campbell did the same thing with “Centrism” which can not occupy Centre/Centre-Left/Centre-Right as that is already occupied by Democratic Socialism.
        Blair and Murdoch created The People of The Sun and dragged them so Far to the Right, they ended right on Thatcher’s lap, all by selling them their new position of “Centrist”. They painted the Centre Left/Right Democratic Socialists as Far Left Extremists and Campbell/Mandelson did the same with The People of The Sun in Lambskin aka The Guardian, New Statesman and similar, before you knew it Traditionally Centre Left/Right folk “Working Class” and “Middle Class” are Raging Thatcherite Neoliberal Tories!
        It is quite maddening that the Democratic Socialists did not start an Effort to get this Parasite Party, Neolabour, out of The Host Party, The UK Labour Party, in the bloody 80s!
        We simply cannot operate as TWO Polar Opposite Parties, it is not possible. The Neolabour Party TORIES are NOT the Right of The UK Labour Party, they are a Neoliberal TORY Party within The UK Labour Party.
        The weirdest thing to me is that 2015 to 2020 everyone said it, everyone said about it and now it is like a mass strike of Amnesia hit the “Democratic Socialists” and were back to Centrists and Lefties and Soft Left!

        Report comment

    Leave a Reply

    Join the conversation

    Please read our comment moderation policy here.

Related articles