Keir Starmer’s Most Likely Usurpers Are Deeply Flawed

As Keir Starmer’s unhappy reign enters its end game, he makes one point that’s worth hearing: Britain cannot return to the constant psychodrama of previous Tory governments that landed us with Boris Johnson and Liz Truss as prime ministers. Whoever replaces No. 10’s current inhabitant must be a credible figure capable of navigating the violent economic and political seas buffeting the country. That means the contest which now looks inevitable cannot be rushed, and should not be a narrow one.

After last week’s disastrous local and regional election results, Starmer’s authority looks shot. With his lawmakers, ministers and even cabinet against him, he’s unlikely to survive long. But the chaos of the last few days, and the dark judgment of the bond market, will not be resolved by the hasty coronation of another candidate who is not up to the job.