John McDonnell, Corbyn’s right hand man for four and a half years, was full of praise when asked about the official opposition’s handling of the Covid crisis. ‘Keir’s got this exactly right’ the ex-shadow chancellor told John Pienaar. But many of Corbyn’s loyal supporters didn’t agree; sparking an internal Labour argument between the party’s warring sides. It is tempting to point to the scrap and claim that it is yet more evidence of the difficulties Starmer faces to get Labour winning again, as the party’s internal battles never seem to end and in fact, are now being fought out between ever smaller factions. But another, more positive way for Starmer to interpret this row (and other interfactional arguments in Labour) is to show all too clearly that he no longer needs to fear his party’s far-left.
Of course, Starmer could soon come unstuck and much depends on what happens over the next three and a half years. But until Starmer loses an election, the Labour left have relegated themselves to little more than a minor annoyance for the remainder of his time as leader. In fact, they may be helping Starmer as he aims to reposition his party with the electorate – just look at how the sacking of Rebecca Long-Bailey worked towards his overarching mission. The public punishing of one of his MPs from the left may become a useful, ongoing button to press in times of need.
The fall of Labour’s left from what looked like an unassailable position within their party is one of the most fascinating stories from the past few years of British politics – and that is set against some tough competition. It seems hard to believe now, but they controlled every lever of power within the party before Starmer became leader.
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