James O'Brien Daily Is Keir Starmer ill-suited to being Prime Minister?
Feb 9, 2026
Natasha Clarke, LBC political editor who reports on government developments, discusses Keir Starmer's leadership challenges. They cover cabinet support amid the Mandelson controversy. Conversations probe resignations in Downing Street, party loyalty, and whether Starmer can survive political turmoil.
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Three Tribal Lenses Distort Judgement
- James O'Brien identifies three 'cults' distorting public debate: Starmer supporters, Johnson loyalists, and Corbyn loyalists.
- These tribes prevent sober assessment of Keir Starmer's problems and fuel polarized reactions.
Starmer's Premiership Lacks PM Competence
- James argues Starmer has shown he is "not very good at being prime minister" over the last 18 months.
- That judgement is central to why his position now looks precarious despite being a bulwark against the right.
Decency Was The Crucial Promise
- Ending scandal and hypocrisy was the one redeeming promise that could excuse other weaknesses.
- Failing to remove the "stench of hypocrisy" undermined Starmer's moral authority.