Best of the Spectator Coffee House Shots: Keir Starmer's total lack of curiosity
Mar 14, 2026
Revelations about a senior diplomatic appointment that went ahead without direct vetting. Investigation into why a lawyer-turned-politician shows little curiosity about key decisions. Discussion of how detachment from everyday decision-making affects patronage and control. Comparisons with recent leaders and what political skill looks like today.
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Starmer's Lack Of Curiosity Shaped The Mandelson Appointment
- Keir Starmer displays a habitual lack of political curiosity that shapes major decisions.
- Gabriel Pogrund reports Starmer did not speak to Peter Mandelson before appointing him ambassador, outsourcing vetting to McSweeney.
Starmer Dismisses Everyday Political Work As Fantasy
- Multiple sources describe Starmer as intellectually incurious and disengaged from political nitty-gritty.
- Tim Shipman and Gabriel Pogrund note Starmer dismisses reshuffles as "fantasy politics" and avoids factional management.
Downing Street Detachment And Outsourced Vetting
- Starmer is portrayed as detached from decision-making and uninterested in policy detail by his own party.
- Tim Shipman says Starmer outsourced vetting, relied on McSweeney and Matthew Doyle, and never directly briefed Mandelson about dealing with Trump.
