Keir Starmer stepping down as an MP

Grantanow

Should never have left the day job.

Too late for that, though. To be fair, I think he did the right thing - although I think he did a lot of good things he didn't get the message across, which is very important.

Should never have left the day job.

Casdon

I don’t see it quite like that Oreo, I think once you’ve been PM it’s very hard to continue to motivate yourself, watching things change that you have set up and believed in is profoundly dispiriting, and you need a new challenge, leaving the MP role clear for a new young enthusiastic MP to make their mark.

I agree with this, and the comments on this thread show that whatever Labour politicians do they will be accused of duplicity and dishonourable motives by the mind-readers amongst us.

In his position I would find it very difficult to hang on, and fully understand why he feels the need to move on. He has proved himself an excellent international statesman, and feel sure that he will do well in that role without his every move being sneered at and second guessed - that must be so dispiriting. I wish him well.

“Integrity” really that’s the last word I expected to hear in relation to Keir Starmer.. still I suppose it takes all sorts..

Apparently KS originally said he would stay until the next election, but who can blame him for not being able to face that, for the reasons Casdon gives. Whatever he does I hope it brings him happiness, satisfaction and interest.

I’m a great admirer of Rishi Sunak. Had not heard about his Richmond Project.

Casdon

I think foreign affairs were his strength as PM, so it sounds like a pragmatic move. I always think how soul destroying it must be to remain as an MP after being deposed, or losing an election, I’m surprised that Rishi Sunak is still hanging in there.

I really respect Sunak for that. I assumed he would leave parliament at the last election. I think quite often we only appreciate politicians when they’ve gone ( or finally see them for what they were).History will show more kindness to both Sunak and Starmer than their parties have ( Sunak supposedly having been treated badly by the Conservatives…he was never part of Johnson’s shenanigans)

I don’t see it quite like that Oreo, I think once you’ve been PM it’s very hard to continue to motivate yourself, watching things change that you have set up and believed in is profoundly dispiriting, and you need a new challenge, leaving the MP role clear for a new young enthusiastic MP to make their mark.

Casdon

Yes, I think that’s a great initiative GrannyGravy13, I’m just surprised that he is still an MP as well.

That shows integrity in my view.

Iam64

I’m pleased he’s made this decision, it’s another indication of his integrity.
I hope he gets involved in an international role. He could always return as a KC even become a Judge. Here’s hoping whatever he does is positive for him and his family

I really don’t see that ( integrity!) Cameron did the same thing when standing down from being PM, immediately ditching his constituency who voted for him.
Starmer could have stayed until just before the next GE.

Yes, I think that’s a great initiative GrannyGravy13, I’m just surprised that he is still an MP as well.

Casdon

I think foreign affairs were his strength as PM, so it sounds like a pragmatic move. I always think how soul destroying it must be to remain as an MP after being deposed, or losing an election, I’m surprised that Rishi Sunak is still hanging in there.

Rishi Sunak has also set up a U.K. wide charity The Richmond Project along with his wife.

Its aim is to make maths less intimidating for all ages.

He obviously noticed how well Tony Blair, a fellow lawyer, has done since he resigned.

I think foreign affairs were his strength as PM, so it sounds like a pragmatic move. I always think how soul destroying it must be to remain as an MP after being deposed, or losing an election, I’m surprised that Rishi Sunak is still hanging in there.

Going to work in an international role where he is appreciated I hope. At least he won’t be travelling to war torn countries taking his guitar and playing Smith’s songs…interesting to see if Polanski stands because, if he does and loses that’s another party leader gone. Farage is now saying that they got rid of Starmer so ‘they won’. And, for once I agree with him.They campaigned on ‘Starmer Out’ and the PLP did their bidding. And now Burnham is going to set out his ten year plan even though Starmer said it would take ten years to turn the country round and they gave him a measly two. Oh and boat numbers are going down still which shows that Starmers policies were working; something else he said would take time.

So now it's confirmed: being an MP was all about personal ambition.

Have you heard of Andrew Burnham??

And of his sickening cabinet, most of whom conspired to bring down their leader while pretending to work with him, including the duplicitous Healey.
Perfect timing.
Wonder if Zack Polanski will be Octavius Caesar?

Still doesn’t change my good wishes to him, politics is dreadful, full of sharks, I am surprised he wants to continue on the fringe of international affairs

Hear, hear GG.

Politics really is for the back stabbers; KS is better out of it.

🤣🤣 Graphite

The Human Rights lawyer who supported a genocide

Tweet of the day from Count Binface.

Can't get a moment's peace on this bloody planet.

Apologies from me also MaizieD the headlines had just popped up on my iPad as I am trying to sort out something else so I didn’t read either that article or the one you posted in your OP.

Still doesn’t change my good wishes to him, politics is dreadful, full of sharks, I am surprised he wants to continue on the fringe of international affairs.

Ah thanks MaizieD and apologies, no I didn’t read the item 🙈

So now it's confirmed: being an MP was all about personal ambition. Now he's no longer prime minister, he has no further interest in his constituents or in promoting their concerns within the governing party.
No, I'm not surprised. He was just another snout in the trough while it suited him.

Did anyone read the news item? It doesn't sound to me as though he is going back to being a lawyer

In a statement to the Camden New Journal newspaper, he said it had been a "huge honour and privilege" to represent the constituency for 11 years but he would now turn his focus to "international affairs".

Mind you, that is what past PMs tend to do, isn't it? 'International affairs'... Hmm

I’m pleased he’s made this decision, it’s another indication of his integrity.
I hope he gets involved in an international role. He could always return as a KC even become a Judge. Here’s hoping whatever he does is positive for him and his family

Why not?
He can go and make a lot more money now!
A new niche maybe.