Standfast

Paul Francis on why Labour’s landslide already feels fragile

Paul Francis was the KM’s Political Editor for the best part of three decades. He writes for us on whether Labour’s current position might force some Kent MPs to break ranks…

Labour emerged triumphant in the general election, with the party inflicting a crushing defeat on its opponents and seemingly set for a benign spell in power. But internal fighting, rumours of a leadership challenge and growing concern that the upcoming budget will see a major U-turn will plunge the party into a period of chaos.

So, what are voters likely to make about Labour as it is engulfed by tit-for-tat briefings and rumours of divisions?

In an election jigsaw that would baffle the most assiduous, there is only one thing that is certain in today’s political landscape: you might think you know that the tectonic plates are shifting, but the direction of travel is another matter altogether.