Keir Starmer’s popularity has been on a steep decline, and it’s clear that voters are increasingly frustrated with the Prime Minister.
As his approval ratings sink, he seems determined to shield himself from scrutiny, avoiding situations where the public or journalists might hold him accountable.
From dodging tough questions to limiting opportunities for local elections, Starmer appears to be prioritising self-preservation over transparency.
Cancelled Elections and Strategic Avoidance
Starmer’s government recently postponed mayoral elections in four areas of southern England, originally scheduled for May.
Officially, ministers claimed it was to allow more time for local government reforms.
In reality, polling suggested Labour stood little chance of victory, and the postponement conveniently delays potential embarrassment.
The government has also reached out to 63 district and county councils, inviting them to push back elections further.
For some councils, this could result in a seven-year gap between votes, a move critics argue undermines the principles of democracy.
A Pattern of Escaping Accountability
Starmer has repeatedly taken foreign trips in recent months, including seven abroad just before last month’s Budget, creating the perception that he avoids dealing with pressing issues at home.
This, combined with curtailed press access—reducing lobby briefings and controlling ministerial press conferences—limits journalists’ ability to ask challenging questions.
The Prime Minister’s approach to public engagement increasingly relies on controlling the narrative rather than facing direct scrutiny.
Controversial Reforms and Public Distrust
Beyond electoral strategies and media control, Starmer’s government is proposing reforms that critics argue erode citizen rights.
Most notably, trial by jury is set to be restricted for all but the most serious crimes, placing thousands of cases in the hands of magistrates and judges alone.
Compulsory ID cards and expanded facial recognition plans further suggest a government eager to extend its control over daily life.
These moves contrast sharply with Starmer’s earlier promises to “tread lightly” on the public, fueling a perception of distrust between the government and the people.
The Cost of Political Calculations
Even with local elections postponed, Labour faces electoral challenges in Scotland and Wales, where nationalist parties and Reform UK are expected to outperform them.
Internally, Starmer must also contend with backbenchers anxious about the party’s future and dissatisfied with his leadership.
Plans for a King’s Speech post-May elections hint at attempts to manage political fallout, but critics argue this overestimates Labour rebels’ concern for protocol rather than results.
Foreign Trips and Media Control Highlight Hypocrisy
In under 18 months, Starmer has made 38 foreign trips via official jets, drawing attention to his tendency to be abroad during domestic crises.
While travel broadens perspectives, in Starmer’s case it often seems to narrow accountability.
His previous criticisms of Tory ministers using private planes further highlight a stark contrast between rhetoric and practice.
Public Perception and the Road Ahead
Despite efforts to manage appearances and limit scrutiny, public perception of Starmer is unlikely to shift positively.
From cancelled elections and curtailed jury trials to expanded surveillance and frequent foreign travel, voters may interpret these actions as signs of a government increasingly disconnected from democratic norms.
Attempts to regain popularity through strategic avoidance may ultimately backfire, leaving Starmer with a fragile hold on power as 2026 approaches.
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