Boris Johnson called it “Starmergeddon” — and tried to warn people against it! But it appeared to be inevitable and it was. The exit polls from BBC handled by the psephology guru and political scientist Sir John Curtice were absolutely correct with just a tiny variation of the numbers. And Sir Keir Starmer was inside Number 10, as predicted, by the afternoon of July 5.
It has been a remarkable journey for the PM, who started life as the son of a toolmaker and a nurse, in an unremarkable British middle class household. He is a “real” person you can connect with —which is a relief after the past few years of Tory rule where it was assumed everyone was born entitled and born to rule. Humility has been in scarce supply — even if you were not born rich.
In Sir Keir we have a serious politician, without slick mannerisms and designer suits. His main strength is his unwavering belief that change for the greater good is possible. In fact, in four and half years, after moving from law into full time politics — he has managed to convert a shambolic party under Jeremy Corbyn into a winning machine.
This is no mean achievement. He has also reposed his faith in diversity — and in women, and for the first time Britain will have a female chancellor of the exchequer — Rachel Reeves. And the deputy PM is a woman — Angela Rayner.
Altogether there will be more women MPs in the House of Commons , and even in the Labour Party. Yes, he is charisma challenged — but today it i.
