Martin Ivens, Columnist

Starmer’s Ruthlessness Can’t Defend Him From Rivals Forever

April 13, 2026 at 4:00 AM UTC

Martin Ivens is the editor of the Times Literary Supplement. Previously, he was editor of the Sunday Times of London and its chief political commentator.

Keir Starmer’s ruthlessness can’t keep him in power forever.
Photographer: Betty Laura Zapata/Bloomberg

Provide news feedback or report an error

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

A good novelist, as Graham Greene put it, must have “a splinter of ice” in their heart. That’s true of successful and durable world leaders, too.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer lacks many of the conventional political virtues: He has no strategic nous, while his colorless oratory and lack of clear vision have contributed to him breaking British polling records for unpopularity. At the same time, however, he displays a streak of casual ruthlessness that is his last defense against the chafing ambitions of rivals.