From the start of Elon Musk’s onslaught, Sir Keir Starmer’s position in refusing a new national inquiry into the grooming and rape of girls across England has looked fragile. This weekend that position – and Labour’s parliamentary discipline – will be tested further. That’s because Labour are now away from the Commons, back among their voters.
Labour MPs who find themselves being harangued by angry voters might not be keen to stand up for the PM
One of the defining features of the new intake of Labour MPs is their localism. Most were selected by constituency Labour parties demanding total commitment to the local area and, where possible, a personal connection to the patch. Quite a few of the new intake can say they were brought up in or near the places they represent.
All of them have been elected in a climate that demands MPs act as tribunes of local opinion, responsive to the voters’ whims and preferences. “Your
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