Lawyer Keir becomes macho Keir

Sir Keir Starmer’s New Aggressive Style at PMQs

Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has recently shifted his approach at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), adopting a more aggressive and confrontational tone. This change has been noticeable over the past few weeks, with Starmer shedding his previously perceived wooden and robotic demeanor. Instead, he has become more assertive in his attacks on the Conservatives and Reform UK, particularly targeting high-profile figures like Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage. This newfound assertiveness coincides with Labour’s broader strategy to push back against Reform UK, which has gained momentum in recent polls.

The timing of this shift is significant. A recent Sky News/YouGov poll showed Reform UK overtaking Labour for the first time, sending shockwaves through the political landscape. In response, Labour has intensified its messaging, particularly on immigration, an issue that has proven to be a lightning rod for public opinion. Labour has unveiled attack ads targeting Reform UK and released hard-hitting videos promoting the government’s crackdown on illegal immigration. These efforts seem designed to regain ground and counter Reform UK’s growing influence.

Starmer’s Focus on Immigration and the Tories

At the most recent PMQs, Sir Keir Starmer zeroed in on the issue of immigration, which has become a central theme in his attacks on the Conservatives and Reform UK. He criticized both parties for voting against Labour’s Borders Bill, which aimed to criminalize the organization of small boat crossings and empower authorities to arrest suspected people smugglers before they could act. In a dramatic, almost pantomime-style exchange, Starmer accused the Tories and Reform UK of supporting "open borders" by opposing the bill. Labour backbenchers joined in, chanting "Against!" as Starmer listed the measures the opposition had rejected.

The focus on immigration is no accident. Polling has shown that the issue is a top concern for Reform UK voters and even for some Conservative voters considering defecting to Reform. By positioning Labour as the party taking tough action on illegal immigration, Starmer hopes to cut into Reform’s support and reassure voters that Labour is serious about border control. However, this approach has also drawn criticism, with some accusing Labour of pandering to anti-immigrant sentiment rather than addressing the root causes of the issue.

A Shift in Style and Substance

Sir Keir Starmer’s new style at PMQs has also been marked by a touch of opportunism. During the session, he boldly claimed that "farming is top of the agenda as far as I’m concerned," despite a Labour minister recently downplaying the importance of farmers to the government. This statement drew a sharp rebuke from Harriet Cross, a newly elected Conservative MP who appears to be a rising star in her party. Cross rightly called out Starmer’s inconsistency, highlighting the gap between his rhetoric and the reality of Labour’s priorities.

While Starmer’s newfound aggression has won him plaudits from some quarters, it has also raised questions about his sincerity and strateg