In a stunning display of political maneuvering, Ed Miliband steps in to save Keir Starmer’s leadership, but is he merely handing him a fake steering wheel? It’s a question that lingers as the Labour Party navigates its latest crisis. Let’s break it down.
This was a day that demanded the steady hand of a seasoned politician—someone unflappable, experienced, and, frankly, grown-up. But don’t be fooled into thinking that meant the likes of Emma Reynolds, whose perpetual deer-in-the-headlights expression, especially in front of a microphone, makes her a less-than-ideal candidate. Give her 30 seconds, and she’ll likely confess to crimes she never committed. And Wes Streeting? Well, even Wes doesn’t trust Wes. His unconvincing denials about his involvement in Anas Sarwar’s press conference and his awkward insistence that he’s never been a fan of Peter Mandelson raise more questions than answers. Apparently, in his WhatsApp messages, one kiss emoji is for those he dislikes, and two are for those he loves. Make of that what you will.
Ordinarily, Pat McFadden, Keir Starmer’s trusted enforcer, would have been the go-to for the morning media rounds. But Pat hasn’t been himself lately, especially after his Sunday studio tour defending Morgan McSweeney’s position. His delivery, too, leaves much to be desired. Pat is the embodiment of a natural depressive—a smile seems to cost him dearly, and even his attempts at optimism sound like a funeral eulogy. Not exactly the tone needed on a day like this.
Enter Ed Miliband, the man who, unlike many of his colleagues, has zero interest in Starmer’s job. He’s been there, done that, and crashed spectacularly. Now, as energy secretary, he’s content in his role, older, wiser, and with a gravitas that many ministers lack. Ed’s credibility comes from having faced the worst and emerged on the other side. He’s seen as an honest broker—up to a point. More on that later.
Speaking to the BBC’s Nick Robinson, Miliband acknowledged that Labour MPs had peered over the precipice and didn’t like what they saw. But he wasn’t sugarcoating the situation. The past week’s events weren’t just media hype; they were a genuine leadership crisis, steadied only by the cabinet’s Soviet-style unity behind Starmer and a stark reminder: don’t oust your leader unless you have a successor ready. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this unity genuine, or is it a facade to avoid the chaos of a leadership change? And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just Keir’s job on the line; it’s the careers of hundreds of Labour MPs. With polls tanking, many fear losing their seats in 2029, but removing Starmer now could trigger an early election, handing out P45s far sooner than expected. Even Wes Streeting knows his days might be numbered. Keir’s safe for now, but the next crisis is never far away. Bring on the May elections, because, as Miliband knows all too well, politics is inherently transactional.
Yet, Ed wasn’t dwelling on the negatives. They were the unspoken subtext of his interviews—a reminder to both Starmer and Labour MPs of the harsh realities and who truly holds the power. First, though, he offered some praise. Keir’s speech to the parliamentary party on Monday night was bold and passionate, Miliband noted. Starmer reminded MPs he’d never lost a fight—though, ironically, he seemed to forget his defeats over the two-child benefit cap and inheritance tax for farmers.
This, Ed insisted, was the Keir he’d known throughout their 15-year friendship. The tragedy? Keir reserves his boldest, most passionate speeches for behind closed doors, leaving voters to see only a beige version of him in front of the camera. But Miliband was hopeful that things would change. A line had been drawn in the sand. Keir had rediscovered his mojo, with a burning desire to end the class divide and govern for the powerless. A moment of genuine change, perhaps.
Or was it wishful thinking? It’s hard not to see this as a Keir fashioned in Ed’s image. Starmer’s position now depends on the sufferance of a cabinet elite—a stark reality. Remember when someone from McSweeney’s team likened Keir to a leader who thinks he’s driving a driverless DLR? If that was an exaggeration then, it’s becoming a reality now. Miliband seems content to hand Starmer a fake steering wheel, letting him believe he’s in control. Why go through the pain of replacing a leader when you can control the one you have? Especially when there’s no clear successor. Ed doesn’t crave the trappings of office; he’s focused on a Labour government implementing his vision.
That’s not to say there won’t be a power struggle at the top. Wes Streeting won’t go down without a fight, and Miliband subtly reminded everyone that it’s time to stop making the leadership crisis about personal ambitions. A clever move, especially when paired with his reminder that he’s never trusted Mandelson. For now, things look more promising than they did a day ago, though they could still go awry. Later, Starmer vowed never to walk away from the job—as if that decision were his alone. But here’s the real question: Is Keir truly in charge, or is he just a figurehead for Ed’s vision? And what does this mean for Labour’s future? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
