Keir Starmer’s First 100 Days: A Rocky Start for Britain’s New Prime Minister

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer marks his first 100 days in office this Saturday, a milestone overshadowed by a series of controversies and a struggling economy. Despite a landslide victory in the July 4th election, a wave of negative headlines, internal tensions, and a stagnant economy have significantly dampened initial enthusiasm, leaving Starmer with a considerably lower approval rating than expected. While his government has implemented several key policies, the challenges ahead seem formidable, raising questions about the long-term viability of his ambitious agenda.

Key Takeaways: A Tumultuous First 100 Days

• Plummeting Approval Ratings: Early polls indicate a sharp drop in Prime Minister Starmer’s popularity, raising concerns about his government’s ability to maintain public support.
• Economic Headwinds: Britain’s economy is struggling with low growth (0.2% in August) and a £22 billion ($29 billion) budget deficit, inherited from the previous Conservative government.
• Controversies and Scandals: Reports of internal feuding, along with accusations of accepting lavish gifts, have overshadowed the government’s achievements and eroded public trust.
• Policy Implementation: While the government has ended major strikes and introduced bills to improve worker and renter rights, the impact of these measures is yet to be fully assessed.
• Upcoming Budget: The October 30th budget announcement will be crucial, laying out the government’s economic strategy for addressing the budget deficit and stimulating growth.

A Landslide Victory Followed by Headwinds

Keir Starmer’s Labour Party secured a decisive victory on July 4th, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. The election campaign centred on promises to resolve the protracted turmoil under the previous government, revitalize the stagnant economy, and reform the National Health Service (NHS). However, the honeymoon period proved short-lived. Professor Tim Bale of Queen Mary University of London aptly summarized the situation: “**You couldn’t really have imagined a worse start.** First impressions count, and it’s going to be difficult to turn those around.”

Early Achievements and Challenges

The government has undoubtedly tackled some significant challenges. The resolution of strikes by doctors and railway workers was a notable achievement, easing considerable public disruption. The establishment of a publicly owned green energy firm demonstrates the government’s commitment to sustainable energy policies. The scrapping of the controversial plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, widely criticized as inhumane, was also well-received by many. Furthermore, the introduction of legislation to strengthen workers’ and renters’ rights reflects a key commitment of the Labour manifesto.

Yet, serious problems have overshadowed these early successes. The government’s handling of the economic crisis has been particularly problematic. The announcement of job cuts in public services, including the withdrawal of winter heating payments for millions of retirees, triggered substantial backlash. While intended to signal fiscal responsibility and address the budget deficit, the move alienated many voters and amplified accusations of prioritizing austerity over social welfare.

Scandals and Internal Turmoil

Adding to the government’s difficulties, reports of lavish gifts received by Starmer – including designer eyeglasses and clothes from a wealthy donor – sparked considerable controversy. While Starmer maintained that the gifts were within the rules, the negative publicity was damaging. The subsequent repayment of £6,000 worth of gifts and hospitality, even including Taylor Swift concert tickets, further highlighted the government’s struggles in maintaining transparent and ethical standards.

Downing Street Shake-up

The internal dynamics within the government also came under intense scrutiny. Reports of tensions between Downing Street Chief of Staff Sue Gray and Labour campaign strategist Morgan McSweeney led to Gray’s resignation. The media’s revelation that Gray’s salary exceeded the Prime Minister’s further fueled public criticism and amplified perceptions of internal dysfunction. McSweeney has since replaced Gray as Starmer’s chief of staff, signaling a significant shift in the government’s leadership structure.

Anand Menon, director of the think tank U.K. in a Changing Europe, argued that “**avoidable mistakes**” had allowed a “**perception of incompetence and dysfunction**” to take hold, highlighting the government’s ongoing challenges in managing its public image and internal conflicts.

Economic Challenges and the Upcoming Budget

The most pressing challenge facing the government remains the sluggish economy. Growth figures of 0.2% in August, coupled with the substantial budget deficit, indicate a significant uphill battle. Starmer has warned that things will be “**tough in the short term**” before improvement is seen, acknowledging the difficulties balancing fiscal prudence with social and economic needs.

Balancing Act: Growth vs. Austerity

The upcoming budget, slated for October 30th, will be a crucial moment for the government. Treasury chief Rachel Reeves has made it clear that there will be no increase in income tax, sales tax, or corporation tax; simultaneously she has ruled out any “**return to austerity**.” This represents a narrow window for significant economic restructuring. The government intends to stimulate economic growth through a mix of private and public investment; however, billions of pounds are urgently needed to achieve this. Potential options being mulled over include increasing taxes on wealth, such as capital gains tax or inheritance tax.

Looking Ahead: Can Starmer Turn Things Around?

While the first 100 days have been fraught with challenges, the government still has ample time to recover lost ground. The next general election is not due until 2029, offering several years to implement its policies and demonstrate progress. Starmer himself remains optimistic, insisting he won’t be deterred from his course. He told the BBC: “**You get these days and weeks when things are choppy, there’s no getting around that; that is in the nature of government.** It’s been much tougher than anything I’ve done before, but much better.”

Professor Bale suggests that the government’s ability to regain public trust hinges on demonstrating “**not only that it’s had a pretty dire inheritance, but that it has a plan to improve the country.**” He added that a crucial element currently lacking is “**the vision thing.**” Whether Starmer and his government can effectively communicate their vision and deliver tangible improvements to the lives of ordinary Britons will be central to their success over the coming years.