Dear John,
Keir Starmer is fighting for his survival. No. 10 has been plunged into utter chaos this week – resignations in Downing Street, Scottish Labour breaking ranks, backbench rebellion brewing and the Prime Minister’s authority visibly fraying.
But as I wrote for Open Britain’s Ugly Politix Substack today, it’s all a symptom of something deeper: a closed culture at the heart of British politics where a small privileged network of insiders holds disproportionate influence – and largely escapes the scrutiny faced by everyone else.
The Mandelson appointment exposed the “Golden Circle” system – where elites with reputation, connections and historical stature override transparency, vetting and merit.
Unless Keir Starmer breaks decisively with this model and embraces a system of fair, accountable influence, no reshuffle or ‘reset’ will save him.
Read the full piece to understand why this crisis was avoidable, what it reveals about power in Westminster, and what real reform would require👇
