As PM's popularity plummets, things can only get worse

Remaining aloof from his MPs mean they feel no loyalty to him

- Sam Lister

KEIR Starmer is the most unpopular new Prime Minister in history and it is only going to get worse. It is astonishing that the one-year anniversary of his premiership is dominated by speculation about his political survival. The PM's reputation as a decent but dull safe pair of hands is long gone but, more crucially, his authority is in tatters.

Few voters would be sad to see him go as there was little enthusiasm for him before the series of catastrophes that besieged his first year. First impressions count, and the first impression Starmer gave when he entered No 10 was that he was oblivious to concerns of the country. Free-gear Keir was taking clothes, expensive specs and concert tickets for himself while taking winter fuel payments off pensioners.

Figures released this week show Starmer was the biggest recipient of hospitality from UK sources in the last year, declaring £11,170 worth of football tickets. Since the election, his free events and gifts total has hit £17,344.

We had been told repeatedly the “grownups” were back in charge, but it turns out our PM could not even dress himself without a little help from his close pal Lord Ali. The political equivalent of a hapless middle-aged man whose mum still buys his underpants for him.