The U-turns keep coming – but Starmer’s allies insist they’re his best hope of revival

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Pippa Crerar Political editorJanuary 15, 2026 at 07:00 AM

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long article 5 min

Keir Starmer and the Labour Party are employing a strategy of shedding unpopular policies, similar to the Conservative's "scraping the barnacles off the boat" approach from 2015, to improve their electoral appeal. Starmer is prioritizing the cost of living crisis, directing Labour MPs to focus on this issue in meetings and media appearances. The government has recently reversed course on several unpopular policies, including mandatory digital ID cards, farmers’ inheritance tax, and potentially business rates for pubs and limitations on jury trials. These U-turns are intended to remove distractions and allow Labour to concentrate on core issues that resonate with voters. Ministers suggest this strategy was signaled by Starmer in recent cabinet meetings.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Iran 40% Australia ×240% Venezuela 40% UK 60% David Cameron 60% Ed Miliband 60% Conservative Party (UK) 70% Lynton Crosby 70% Labour Party (UK) 70% Keir Starmer ×290%

Keywords

cost of living 100% policy u-turns 90% keir starmer 80% barnacles off the boat 70% political strategy 70% electoral appeal 60% digital id cards 60% cabinet meetings 50% public opinion 50%