Do think some context from 1997 is helpful here. Then there was something of a circus around Blair and key folk, lots of hangers on claiming to be running the show. I suspect one reason Starmer keeps a small circle is partly because he remembers that too.
@stephenkb.bsky.socialWho’s side are you on: the boys’ club or the civil servants? My column in tomorrow’s FT is on what shadow Cabinet ministers are fractious about (and what they’re really worrying about):
ft.com
Starmer will only reveal his true face in power
What we talk about when we talk about Labour party factions
