Keir Starmer's position as Labour leader bears an uncanny resemblance to the dying days of Boris Johnson's premiership, according to Simon Hart, who served as government chief whip from 2022 to 2024. Writing in a recent opinion piece, Hart reflects on the parallels between the two leaders as Starmer faces mounting criticism and internal dissent.
Echoes of Summer 2022
Hart recounts sitting in the public gallery during a foreign affairs select committee hearing, which felt like a repeat of the summer of 2022. Back then, Johnson had weathered numerous attacks on his integrity, many from Starmer, primarily over the Partygate scandal. The final blow came when the deputy chief whip resigned after allegations of sexual misconduct. Hart notes that the similarities are striking for those who witnessed both situations closely.
Johnson's defense often relied on claiming ignorance or that he received selective information from officials. However, few believed him, as the expectation was that the buck stops with the prime minister. Hart argues that Starmer faces a similar credibility gap, with his approval ratings declining and internal party discontent growing.
Key Differences in Leadership
Despite the parallels, Hart highlights a crucial difference: Johnson, despite his many faults, never publicly sacrificed others to save himself. In contrast, Hart accuses Starmer of willingly abandoning his allies to protect his own reputation. He quotes a former MP and serviceman who said Starmer is "just not officer material," emphasizing that accountability is a core leadership quality.
Another difference is the lack of a credible alternative leader to replace Johnson, which is not yet evident for Starmer. However, Hart warns that this could change after the local elections, where Labour faces potential losses. If Labour MPs see their colleagues defeated due to an uninspiring leader, internal rebellion could erupt.
The Final Straw for Johnson
Hart describes how Johnson's downfall accelerated when junior ministers began resigning, followed by senior figures like Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid. Hart himself was one of the last to leave, but only after being sent to face hostile media interviews. He recalls being grilled by Kay Burley at 6 a.m., a task that became increasingly unbearable.
Hart sympathizes with Pat McFadden, who faced a similar ordeal on Sky News, suggesting that when senior figures avoid such duties, it signals a government in decay. In 2022, Johnson's fate was sealed when the 1922 Committee and the standards process closed in, leading him to resign.
Starmer's Path Ahead
Hart concludes that Starmer may survive longer than expected, but governing without power is not leadership—it is desperate survival. He warns that sacrificing others for self-preservation will ultimately undermine Starmer's authority, just as it did for Johnson.
