Keir Starmer: from election victory to forced exit in two years

Keir Starmer's 2024 general election victory marked a historic return to power for the Labour Party after 14 years of Conservative rule, delivering a decisive parliamentary majority and ending one of the most turbulent political eras in modern UK history. But within two years, his leadership came under intense strain amid policy reversals, falling approval ratings, and growing internal divisions within Labour. Early decisions, including cuts to winter fuel support for pensioners and repeated policy U-turns on welfare, taxation and climate measures, fuelled voter frustration and damaged his authority. Opposition forces, particularly Nigel Farage's Reform UK, gained momentum in the polls and inflicted heavy losses on Labour in local elections, intensifying pressure on Starmer's leadership. A major scandal involving a high-profile diplomatic appointment further weakened confidence among Labour MPs. Meanwhile, internal challengers emerged, most notably Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, whose parliamentary breakthrough strengthened calls for leadership change after a decisive by-election victory against Reform UK. Facing mounting dissent, Starmer acknowledged internal frustration and defended his record, but ultimately his authority within the party eroded. The leader who once promised national renewal after years of Conservative rule was, within two years, forced to step aside under pressure from his own party.

Al Jazeera's Rory Challands reports.

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