Radio and PodcastRadio and PodcastLive Radio & Podcasts
On Politics: Keir Starmer’s Mess artwork
Society & Culture

On Politics: Keir Starmer’s Mess

The LRB Podcast by London Review of Books

Mar 12, 202671:52Society & Culture

Less than two years after winning a huge majority, even many of Keir Starmer’s own MPs think he’s doomed. But is he? Despite a historic loss to the Green Party in the Gorton and Denton by-election last month, the prime m...

About This Episode

On Politics: Keir Starmer’s Mess is an episode from The LRB Podcast by London Review of Books. Less than two years after winning a huge majority, even many of Keir Starmer’s own MPs think he’s doomed. But is he? Despite a historic loss to t...

Podcast

This episode belongs to The LRB Podcast.

Listen Online

Use the player on this page to stream the episode online.

Episode Details

Published Mar 12, 2026, 71:52 long, audio available.

Questions About This Episode

What is On Politics: Keir Starmer’s Mess about?

Less than two years after winning a huge majority, even many of Keir Starmer’s own MPs think he’s doomed. But is he? Despite a historic loss to the Green Party in the Gorton and Denton by-election last month, the prime minister has managed to cling on, for now. His critics point to a lack of vision in government, the alienation of Labour members and a failure to accept the need for radical reform. Those less critical argue it’s simply a problem with communicating his achievements, and that Britain is pretty much ungovernable anyway.James Butler is joined by Sienna Rodgers, deputy editor at the House magazine, and Jeremy Gilbert, professor of cultural and political theory at the University of East London, to consider the reasons for Starmer’s mess, from the selection of his MPs to the ‘iron law of oligarchy’. And if he’s not prime minister at the end of the year, who will be? Read more on politics in the LRB: ⁠ From the LRB

Where can I listen to On Politics: Keir Starmer’s Mess?

You can listen to On Politics: Keir Starmer’s Mess online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Which podcast is On Politics: Keir Starmer’s Mess from?

On Politics: Keir Starmer’s Mess is an episode from The LRB Podcast by London Review of Books.

How long is this episode?

This episode is 71:52 long.

When was this episode published?

This episode was published on Mar 12, 2026.

Can I save On Politics: Keir Starmer’s Mess for later?

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Are there related episodes from The LRB Podcast?

Yes. This page shows related episodes from The LRB Podcast when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.