Isabel Hardman Isabel Hardman

Starmer and Truss both face problems of their own making

Labour's leader has a long way to go before he is the one putting the PM on the ropes

(Credit: Parliament TV)

Today’s Prime Minister’s Questions taught us two things. The first was that Keir Starmer has still got a long way to go before he is the one putting Liz Truss on the ropes. The second is that Truss has got a long way to go before she isn’t putting herself on the ropes instead. 

It wasn’t a high energy session from either leader: Starmer fell back into his habit of enunciating every syllable in an exasperated tone, whether he was talking about the BUSINESS. SECRETARY. or MORTGAGE. PAYMENTS. In fairness, there is a fair bit to be exasperated about, but Starmer would probably adopt the same tone about his sock drawer. The overall effect was that Truss didn’t really struggle as a result of his questions about her mini-budget and the impact it has had on the economy. 

The Prime Minister walked into a trap laid by Starmer

Neither did she flourish, though, refusing to answer questions and provoking laughter from the opposition benches when she claimed that the government was protecting the economy.

Isabel Hardman
Written by
Isabel Hardman
Isabel Hardman is assistant editor of The Spectator and author of Why We Get the Wrong Politicians. She also presents Radio 4’s Week in Westminster.

Topics in this article

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in