Keir Starmer’s first 100 days as British PM have been anything but smooth. Despite securing a resounding victory in the general election, Labour Party’s early months in power have been marked by missteps, internal strife, and policy blunders that have raised concerns about the government’s direction and ability to deliver on its promises.
One of the most damaging issues faced by the Labour administration has been the fallout from ‘freebiegate’ — a scandal that saw Keir Starmer and several senior ministers come under fire for receiving gifts, including expensive suits and eyewear, collectively valued at £32,000. The public backlash was swift, with critics questioning the integrity of a party that positions itself as a champion of the working class while its leaders accepted such lavish perks.
The optics of this scandal were made worse by Labour Party’s controversial decision to cut winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners, a move that provoked anger and disbelief among party supporters and the general public alike. These two issues, compounded by lingering dissatisfaction over policy ambiguity, led to an atmosphere of uncertainty within the government and scepticism from voters.
Sue Gray’s departure
Faced with growing criticism and a loss of confidence from within his own ranks, Starmer decided to overhaul his administration, most notably replacing his Chief of Staff Sue Gray. Gray, who had been brought in to help the Labour Party transition into government after the election victory, became a lightning rod for discontent. Internal reports suggested that her management style created bottlenecks in staffing and policy decisions, further complicating an already chaotic start. Her £170,000 salary also raised eyebrows within the party.
In a bid to regain control, Starmer replaced Gray with Morgan McSweeney, a long-time ally who had played a key role in Labour’s electoral success. The reshuffle also saw the addition of two deputy chiefs of staff, Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson, as well as the appointment of James Lyons, a former TikTok communications executive, to lead a revamped media relations team.
This shake-up signalled Starmer’s intent to restore order and refocus his administration. However, the underlying question remains: Will these changes be enough to address the deeper issues within Labour’s operation and regain public trust?
A light policy agenda and economic concerns
One of the most persistent criticisms levelled at Starmer’s government during its first 100 days has been the lack of concrete policy details. Despite the Labour government’s pledges of national renewal and economic growth, specifics have remained scarce. This has left many wondering whether the administration has a coherent strategy for tackling the country’s economic challenges.
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The upcoming autumn budget, due on October 30, is expected to be a critical moment for the Labour government. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves has promised a spending plan that will prioritise investment and growth, but there are already signs of potential retreats from key promises. Reeves has hinted at softening Labour’s stance on tax hikes for private equity bosses and may reconsider plans to scrap the UK’s controversial non-dom status.
Reeves and Starmer have also warned of “tough decisions” ahead, as they attempt to manage a £22-billion shortfall in the public finances, allegedly inherited from the previous Conservative government.
Public sentiment and Labour Party’s vision
Public perception of Labour’s early performance has been lukewarm at best. The party, which campaigned on promises of renewal and a fresh start for Britain, has struggled to maintain a consistent narrative amid controversies and policy reversals. Many Labour supporters have expressed disappointment over the government’s decisions to retain the two-child limit on benefits, remove the cap on social care bills, and make cuts to key welfare payments.
Critics have also pointed to a lack of clear ideological direction. While previous Labour Party leaders such as Tony Blair and Clement Attlee were known for advancing distinct political philosophies, Starmer’s leadership has been characterised by a more managerial approach, which some argue lacks the visionary component necessary to inspire and galvanise support.
However, there are signs that the party is beginning to articulate a more progressive agenda. Starmer’s speeches at the Labour Party conference emphasised the need for investment-led growth and the importance of fostering national well-being. Finance Minister Reeves has echoed this sentiment, advocating for public investment in areas like carbon capture technology and infrastructure, with a 25-year £22-billion commitment to green energy projects.
With the upcoming budget expected to be a defining moment, the government now faces a critical test.