Starmer’s denial will not save his Labour leadership but he’ll go down fighting

Keir Starmer is a decent man but that is not enough for a party that wants a good communicator. Step forward Andy …

O n days like these you can’t help feeling you’re living in a parallel universe. Either I’m going mad or Keir Starmer is. The third possibility that we’re both going mad is too disturbing to contemplate.

What to make of the prime minister’s Sky News interview at the G7 in Évian in which Starmer graciously offered Andy Burnham a “big role in government” if, as expected, he wins the Makerfield byelection on Thursday?

Say what you like about Keir, but he certainly has a strong line in denial. There is no reality he can’t twist. It’s the key to understanding his survival skills. But this time, it’s not going to save him.

Just imagine the conversation. “Congratulations on your return to Westminster, Andy. I’ve got some great news. I’m going to sack Steve Reed and offer you the job of secretary of state for communities, housing and local government. ‘Steve who’, you say? We can do great things together.”

There’s no denying that Burnham does have his eyes on a big role in government. Unfortunately for Starmer, the role he has in mind is the prime minister’s. To think otherwise is delusional.

It may not be fair. Keir is fundamentally a decent man. He inherited a poisoned Tory legacy. One that would have defeated many a better politician. He’s tried his best. Done some good things. But decency is not enough. Labour MPs and members have overwhelmingly decided they need a better communicator. Someone who can connect with voters. Tell a story. And the only game in town is Andy.

Yet Keir is not going down quietly. Given the choice of leaving with dignity and the thanks of the party or fighting on, he says he will contest any leadership battle. At least he does now. Come the weekend, he may have changed his mind. There may be cracks in his iron-clad denial. Persuaded that it wouldn’t be in his or the party’s interest to fight an election he was bound to lose. But he’s not there yet. He needs to believe in a hope that isn’t there. Acceptance is a step too far.