Sir Keir Starmer delivered what might be considered a competent Prime Minister's Questions performance by his own standards, yet managed to drain the energy from the Commons chamber in a display that has raised fresh concerns about his leadership style.
A Commons Chamber Stifled by Starmer's Presence
By most technical measures, the Labour leader had a reasonable outing during the weekly parliamentary showdown. He committed no significant errors, and none of his political opponents managed to land a decisive blow against him. Compared to his recent performances, this could almost be counted as a triumph.
Yet the atmosphere in Parliament told a different story. As Sir Keir entered the chamber, observers noted how a peculiar torpor seemed to descend upon proceedings. The lively energy that typically characterises PMQs gave way to what one witness described as "a bank of windless mist, muffling all" the usual political theatre.
Labour Frontbench Reveals Telling Body Language
The effect on his own team proved particularly revealing. Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy was seen slumped in his seat, while the Chief Whip crossed his legs and repeatedly rubbed his face in apparent frustration. Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting provided the most dramatic transformation - before PMQs, during Northern Ireland questions, he had been animated and engaged, but when Sir Keir arrived, his expression shifted to what was described as having "abattoir eyes," seemingly stunned by what was characterised as Starmer's "non-charisma."
The Labour leader opened with football banter, noting Scotland's qualification for the World Cup finals. This follows a pattern where he frequently deploys sporting references when attempting to connect with ordinary voters, reminiscent of John Major's similar attempts with cricket during his premiership.
Backbench Reaction Speaks Volumes
When Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch repeatedly questioned him about next week's Budget, Sir Keir responded with maximum sarcasm, waving his hands and swivelling on his feet. While a more charismatic leader might have generated roaring approval with such tactics, Labour's parliamentary masses reacted with minimal energy, comparable to the subdued atmosphere of a care home's day room.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, normally described as "a ball of fun," sat completely unmoved on the front bench. Beside her, Treasury Chief Secretary James Murray was noted to have "the pallor of a mortuary attendant." Even ambitious backbenchers favoured by the Whips, including Louise Jones and Jeevun Sandher, appeared completely unstirred by their leader's performance.
The problem, observers concluded, isn't necessarily with Starmer's policies or specific arguments, but with his fundamental personality and communication style. When he attempted to mock Conservative MP Lee Anderson by suggesting he was delivering "stand-up comedy," the remark fell completely flat, generating not a single chuckle from his own benches, just what was described as "the faint hum of embarrassment."
As the session concluded, the overwhelming impression left with observers was of a leader who, despite technical competence, fails to inspire his own troops or capture the political imagination, leaving many to wonder about Labour's prospects under his continued leadership.
