In a striking critique, former Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons has added his voice to a growing chorus of Labour MPs urging Keir Starmer to step aside as leader. In an article for The Times, Simons warned that the party’s current trajectory is fraught with peril, stating, “we constantly talk big, then act small,” and declaring that Starmer has “lost the country.” His remarks come in the wake of disappointing electoral performances that have raised serious questions about Labour’s direction under Starmer’s stewardship.
A Call for Change
Simons, who previously helmed the Labour Together thinktank, resigned his ministerial post following revelations that his organisation had engaged in smear tactics against journalists investigating its financial dealings. Despite this setback, he had been regarded as a promising figure within the party, especially among the 2024 intake of MPs. His recent article stands out as one of the most significant contributions from Labour MPs since Thursday’s local elections, which saw the party suffer heavy losses.
Reflecting on the recent electoral defeats, particularly in Wigan where Labour lost all wards despite increased voter turnout, Simons expressed alarm at the party’s disconnection from its working-class roots. “Working-class people queued up to vote against politicians who have built and defended the status quo,” he lamented. This sentiment echoes a broader frustration among traditional Labour supporters who feel abandoned amid a party leadership that appears out of touch with its foundational principles.
The Case for Radical Change
Simons was unequivocal in his assessment that Labour’s current approach, marked by incrementalism, fails to meet the urgent needs of the moment. He stated, “Our party, like many others, is stuck in a politics of incrementalism that cannot meet the moment.” He accused the leadership of deferring to elite interests while neglecting the radical reforms necessary to empower ordinary citizens.
He pointed to the crumbling infrastructure of essential services—energy, water, housing—as evidence of a government more concerned with enriching billionaires than addressing the needs of the populace. “These elections were not a normal mid-term drubbing,” Simons asserted, “they were an unequivocal judgment that our actions do not meet the moment.”
While Simons refrained from calling for an immediate leadership contest, he advocated for a gradual transition to new leadership, suggesting that the party could benefit from a unifying figure, such as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who could restore confidence before Starmer’s departure.
Embracing Bold Leadership
In outlining his vision for a new leader, Simons emphasised the imperative for Labour to take risks rather than retreat into complacency. He articulated a need for adaptability and responsiveness in crisis situations, drawing a parallel with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal—a programme that transformed America during the Great Depression. “We must embrace risk,” he insisted, contending that the party must not shy away from necessary upheaval if it hopes to rebuild effectively.
His call for a collaborative approach among senior Labour figures—“to avoid leadership chaos”—underscores a growing recognition within the party that a cohesive strategy is essential for navigating these turbulent times.
Why it Matters
Simons’ remarks encapsulate a critical juncture in Labour’s history, reflecting deep-seated anxieties about its future direction under Starmer. As the party grapples with its identity and connection to the working class, the demand for a leadership change grows louder. The implications of this internal strife extend beyond party politics; they resonate with a broader electorate yearning for a political entity that genuinely represents their interests and aspirations. If Labour fails to respond to these calls for radical change, it risks further alienation from the very voters it seeks to reclaim.
