Labour's leadership vacuum is no time for an election, Polly Toynbee argues. The timing couldn't be worse - just as Britain is navigating turbulent politics and economic uncertainty.
The global democracy decline is stark: only 6.6% of the world's people live in a full democracy, down from 12.5% ten years ago. Europe, once the bastion of democratic values, is still struggling to maintain stability. As discontent and distrust spread, Labour's predicament seems all too familiar.
Keir Starmer's government has faced an omnishambles week, with rumblings beneath No 10 shaking up the Élysée Palace and other official residences. European countries have thrown out old governments in recent years, and Britain is no exception - a trend that highlights the stagnation and discontent gripping many nations.
Britain was once hailed as the strong and stable nation of Europe, but now its Labour government faces plummeting support to 18%, falling 15 points behind Reform UK. It's not just bad luck: Labour has made its own missteps, from prolonged pre-budget mayhem to a botched briefing against one of its MPs.
The recent U-turn on Rachel Reeves' plan to raise income tax is a prime example - a decision seemingly dictated by Downing Street that has left many Labour members perplexed. The proposal would have protected working incomes while raising revenue from those who should pay more, but the timing and communication were off the mark.
As Labour navigates this treacherous landscape, Toynbee argues that now is not the time for a leadership election. Such a move would be divisive, messy, and potentially damaging to the party's prospects. Instead, it should focus on making the most of power, ignoring unpopularity, and fearlessly doing what it knows must be done.
Labour has an impressive list of achievements in recent years - from Renters' Rights Act to rail nationalisation, renewable investments, and new workers' rights. The suggestions in a curriculum review would breathe new life into schools, while the revival of Sure Start means human capital will flourish beyond Labour's likely term.
So why the near silence on these accomplishments? It's because Labour faces an existential challenge - preventing electoral reform from sweeping them away with less than 30% of the vote. Preventing this is Labour's elemental duty, whatever it takes, with its great majority and years to spare.
In short, Toynbee argues that Labour needs to regroup, refocus, and rediscover its purpose - before it becomes too late. The fight for the soul of the country has been alluded to by Starmer in his conference speech - but where did that fight go?
The global democracy decline is stark: only 6.6% of the world's people live in a full democracy, down from 12.5% ten years ago. Europe, once the bastion of democratic values, is still struggling to maintain stability. As discontent and distrust spread, Labour's predicament seems all too familiar.
Keir Starmer's government has faced an omnishambles week, with rumblings beneath No 10 shaking up the Élysée Palace and other official residences. European countries have thrown out old governments in recent years, and Britain is no exception - a trend that highlights the stagnation and discontent gripping many nations.
Britain was once hailed as the strong and stable nation of Europe, but now its Labour government faces plummeting support to 18%, falling 15 points behind Reform UK. It's not just bad luck: Labour has made its own missteps, from prolonged pre-budget mayhem to a botched briefing against one of its MPs.
The recent U-turn on Rachel Reeves' plan to raise income tax is a prime example - a decision seemingly dictated by Downing Street that has left many Labour members perplexed. The proposal would have protected working incomes while raising revenue from those who should pay more, but the timing and communication were off the mark.
As Labour navigates this treacherous landscape, Toynbee argues that now is not the time for a leadership election. Such a move would be divisive, messy, and potentially damaging to the party's prospects. Instead, it should focus on making the most of power, ignoring unpopularity, and fearlessly doing what it knows must be done.
Labour has an impressive list of achievements in recent years - from Renters' Rights Act to rail nationalisation, renewable investments, and new workers' rights. The suggestions in a curriculum review would breathe new life into schools, while the revival of Sure Start means human capital will flourish beyond Labour's likely term.
So why the near silence on these accomplishments? It's because Labour faces an existential challenge - preventing electoral reform from sweeping them away with less than 30% of the vote. Preventing this is Labour's elemental duty, whatever it takes, with its great majority and years to spare.
In short, Toynbee argues that Labour needs to regroup, refocus, and rediscover its purpose - before it becomes too late. The fight for the soul of the country has been alluded to by Starmer in his conference speech - but where did that fight go?
I'm not sure if 18% support is a death blow just yet... 
Reform UK might be gaining ground, but we can't write off the Labour party just yet. 
What do you guys think is the biggest challenge Keir Starmer's government faces? Is it the economic uncertainty or the internal party struggles? 
. It's like they're stuck between being popular and doing what's best for the country 
. Toynbee makes sense, an election might just make things worse 
. But on the other hand, Labour has done some great stuff lately 
, like helping renters and investing in renewable energy 
. They should focus on those achievements instead of worrying about being in power all the time 
. It's kinda sad when a party forgets its own goals 
...
. And honestly, it's hard not to feel like they're just waiting for someone else to make a move so they can swoop in and try to capitalize on the opportunity. But what if that someone else never comes? What if Labour has to take control of their own destiny this time around? 
they r goin thru a major crisis & ppl ar sayin nows not da time 4 an election lol what if dey actually win tho??? 
anywayz, i think its time 4 labour 2 take a deep breath, sort themselves out, & focus on doin what's rite, even if its unpopular. maybe then they'll regain dat old brittish stability lol 
. I mean, 18% support isn't great, but they've still got some solid achievements under their belt 
. Like, have you seen the work they're doing on renters' rights and renewable energy? 
It's not all doom and gloom! 
. And yeah, an election would be super divisive and messy 
. Labour needs to focus on making the most of their time in power and not let the opposition get under their skin 
They've been in power for years and their support is tanking. A leadership election would be messy, yes, but so are the times we're living in right now! 
All these countries around us are changing governments left and right, it's like they're trying to outrun their problems or something... 
i mean, 18% is huge! how can you have a party without a strong leader or clear direction? 
it seems like keir starmer is in the same boat as other european leaders who are dealing with similar issues 
it's all about regrouping and refocusing their efforts 
maybe toynbee has a point, they need to focus on making progress and protecting working incomes 
. So Labour's leadership is like my grandma's kitchen - a little messy, some things not mixed properly, but hey, it's still the same old comfy spot 
. All these parties changin' governments and whatnot... yeah, we've been there done that before, mate! We're more worried about gettin' our favourite TV shows back on the telly than worryin' 'bout Labour's leadership vacuum 
.
. I mean, 6.6% of people livin' in full democracy? That sounds like a Netflix original series to me... not somethin' we should be proud of 
.
. No need to be too hard on 'em; after all, we're still watchin' the same old soap operas 
... have you ever noticed how some old villages have these tiny cafes that just serve the most delicious homemade pastries and teas? anyway, back to labour's leadership vacuum... i think it's interesting that they're focusing on their achievements instead of just criticizing the opposition. like, we should be celebrating our own successes, right? 
Not gonna happen, especially with all the other issues they need to tackle.
. I mean, they've done some amazing stuff in recent years - from Renters' Rights Act to rail nationalisation 
.
. So, I think Toynbee's advice to Labour - regroup, refocus, and rediscover their purpose 
It's like a bad game of Jenga 
!
. The whole global democracy decline thing is scary, but isn't that a bit of a cop-out for Labour to just sit on their hands? I mean, 6.6% of people living in full democracies? That's not exactly a ringing endorsement 
.
. The party needs to stop whining about being unpopular (we get it, 18% isn't great 
) and just start making things happen again 
. We need Labour to rediscover its purpose, not just to survive but thrive 
Those stuff like Renters' Rights Act, rail nationalisation, and new workers' rights? That's the kind of vibe we need more of, not less! 
The whole world is watching, and Labour needs to step up its A-game if it wants to stay relevant. 
. I mean, who makes a U-turn on an income tax plan without even thinking it through?
. It's all about finding that balance between listening to your party members, keeping the momentum going, and making progress for the country as a whole 
. I mean, Labour had some great ideas before the current government was formed... maybe they should focus on those instead of fighting each other? 