UnHerd with Freddie Sayers Adrian Wooldridge: Why Labour should keep Starmer
May 12, 2026
Adrian Wooldridge, journalist and historian of ideas formerly at The Economist, gives a brisk diagnosis of Britain’s leadership crisis. He compares Labour and Conservative failures. He warns about institutional decay, followership problems, and market risks from turmoil. He argues for reinvigorating the centre, tackling immigration and tech, and shows signs liberalism can revive.
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Starmer As Proceduralist Who Mismanages
- Wooldridge labels Keir Starmer unusually weak, a proceduralist who blames others and mishandles administration.
- He compares Starmer unfavorably to past low-charisma leaders and notes unprecedented civil service turnover.
Followership Has Broken Down
- There's a simultaneous crisis of followership and overproduction of elites that fuels political instability.
- Wooldridge argues parties lack deference and many professionals divert talent into commentary, chasing stories since Brexit.
Don't Oust Leaders Without A Clear Better Option
- Avoid replacing a weak leader unless a clearly superior candidate exists, because turmoil harms market confidence.
- Wooldridge warns markets react (gilts rising) and names Angela Rayner as a risky fiscal proposition.
