OPINION

       The Prime Minister's authority has been grossly undermined. (Image: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

       Sir Keir Starmer suffered an embarrassing undermining of his authority at the worst conceivable moment on July 1. Coming off the back of bad poll numbers for Labour, low approval ratings for the PM and council losses in May, now was not the time for a backbench rebellion and government climbdown.

       But that's exactly what the PM got for his flagship welfare reforms. His Chancellor - Rachel Reeves - also has her authority dented after Tuesday. To make matters worse, Sir Keir and Reeves must find an extra ￡5bn in savings before the next Budget. That either means inevitable spending cuts or tax rises. Ouch! So much for that stonking great majority Labour got exactly one year ago. The party's MPs rebelled in their droves, with 49 finally voting against their own government.

       Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

       This Common Kitchen Ingredient Cleans Dog Teeth Fastnyhealthlabs.com | Sponsored Sponsored

       Undo

       DON'T MISS

       Powered by

       Keir Starmer refuses to say Rachel Reeves will keep job as Chancellor

       17 Comments

       Piers Morgan has brutal response to Rachel Reeves 'crying' with nine-word question

       11 Comments

       'Humiliated' Keir Starmer torn apart on GB News with crushing 'U-turn' verdict

       51 Comments

       Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall hides during PMQs after benefit U-turn humiliation

       9 Comments

       Rachel Reeves allies 'reveal real reason for PMQs tears' - and one person's to blame

       95 Comments

       The 1 shocking graph that proves benefits in UK are out of control

       83 Comments

       Why did callous Keir Starmer fail to support his crying Chancellor Rachel Reeves?

       2 Comments

       I was in the Commons when Rachel Reeves cried and one thing stood out

       37 Comments

       Mel Stride says Rachel Reeves is 'running out of money' amid welfare chaos

       431 Comments

       Starmer sidekick torn to shreds in car crash interview after Labour climbdown

       3 Comments

       Rachel Reeves in the firing line as 'lame duck' Prime Minister plots reset

       21 Comments

       Speaker Lindsay Hoyle issues blunt 2-word statement on Rachel Reeves crying rumour

       23 Comments

       BBC News host skewers squirming Liz Kendall on air after humiliating blow for Starmer

       8 Comments

       Rachel Reeves breaks silence after shocking PMQs crying scenes

       361 Comments

       Costco Shoppers Confirm: This Wrinkle Cream Is 100% Worth ItTop Beauty Picks | Sponsored Sponsored

       Click Here

       Undo

       Keir Starmer blasted for ‘worst start by new PM ever' by polling guru John Curtice

       29 Comments

       Blow for Keir Starmer as young voters abandon Labour for 2 parties

       108 Comments

       Men with ED: This New Pill With Tadalafil And Vardenafil Works Like MagicMaleMD | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       POLL: Do you feel sorry for Rachel Reeves?

       213 Comments

       Tory questions 'legality' of DWP PIP changes ahead of key decision

       33 Comments

       Seniors Born 1941-1979 Receive 55 Benefits This Month if They AskWalletJump | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Keir Starmer's welfare cuts narrowly pass as 49 furious MPs stage rebellion

       479 Comments

       Shocking moment Rachel Reeves seen crying at brutal Prime Minister's Questions

       70 Comments

       This Tiny Hearing Aid Is Changing Lives—And It’s Under $100Hear True | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Keir Starmer refuses to say Rachel Reeves will keep job as Chancellor

       17 Comments

       Piers Morgan has brutal response to Rachel Reeves 'crying' with nine-word question

       11 Comments

       These Are The Rolls-Royce Of Hearing Aids (And Under $99)Oricle Hearing Aid | Sponsored Sponsored

       Undo

       'Humiliated' Keir Starmer torn apart on GB News with crushing 'U-turn' verdict

       51 Comments

       Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall hides during PMQs after benefit U-turn humiliation

       9 Comments

       A Feeder That Hummingbirds Can’t ResistBircana | Sponsored Sponsored

       Read More

       Undo

       Rachel Reeves allies 'reveal real reason for PMQs tears' - and one person's to blame

       95 Comments

       The 1 shocking graph that proves benefits in UK are out of control

       83 Comments

       Here's The Average Price of a 6-Hour Gutter Upgrade in Las VegasHomebuddy.com | Sponsored Sponsored

       Read More

       Undo

       Why did callous Keir Starmer fail to support his crying Chancellor Rachel Reeves?

       2 Comments

       I was in the Commons when Rachel Reeves cried and one thing stood out

       37 Comments

       Put a Bread Clip in Your Wallet When Traveling, Here's Why101 Life Hacks | Sponsored Sponsored

       Undo

       Mel Stride says Rachel Reeves is 'running out of money' amid welfare chaos

       431 Comments

       Starmer sidekick torn to shreds in car crash interview after Labour climbdown

       3 Comments

       New Military Device Builds Muscle So Fast It Feels Like CheatingTonic Gym Pro | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Rachel Reeves in the firing line as 'lame duck' Prime Minister plots reset

       21 Comments

       Speaker Lindsay Hoyle issues blunt 2-word statement on Rachel Reeves crying rumour

       23 Comments

       Replace Your Entire Roof in as Little as 1 Day!Erie Metal Roofs Partner | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       BBC News host skewers squirming Liz Kendall on air after humiliating blow for Starmer

       8 Comments

       Rachel Reeves breaks silence after shocking PMQs crying scenes

       361 Comments

       Keir Starmer blasted for ‘worst start by new PM ever' by polling guru John Curtice

       29 Comments

       Blow for Keir Starmer as young voters abandon Labour for 2 parties

       108 Comments

       POLL: Do you feel sorry for Rachel Reeves?

       213 Comments

       Tory questions 'legality' of DWP PIP changes ahead of key decision

       33 Comments

       Keir Starmer's welfare cuts narrowly pass as 49 furious MPs stage rebellion

       479 Comments

       Shocking moment Rachel Reeves seen crying at brutal Prime Minister's Questions

       70 Comments

       Keir Starmer refuses to say Rachel Reeves will keep job as Chancellor

       17 Comments

       Piers Morgan has brutal response to Rachel Reeves 'crying' with nine-word question

       11 Comments

       'Humiliated' Keir Starmer torn apart on GB News with crushing 'U-turn' verdict

       51 Comments

       Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall hides during PMQs after benefit U-turn humiliation

       9 Comments

       Rachel Reeves allies 'reveal real reason for PMQs tears' - and one person's to blame

       95 Comments

       The 1 shocking graph that proves benefits in UK are out of control

       83 Comments

       Why did callous Keir Starmer fail to support his crying Chancellor Rachel Reeves?

       2 Comments

       Trending

       Not that Sir Keir didn't try. Just hours before the vote, the government said it would not finalise changes in eligibility for one benefit payment until a review. Now new rules will apply to future applicants, not current ones.

       The Tories may crow at this, with Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride attacking "a government that's lost control" but frankly - after 14 years of failure - no one gives a crap what the Conservative Party has to say.

       Powered By

       00:00/01:04

       10 Sec

       194.5K

       31

       GB News star shut down during Meghan Markle debate

       Next

       Stay

       Let me elaborate. A quick butcher's at the opinion polls tells us that - although Reform's lead has narrowed - the Tory poll rating isn't moving (stuck consistently on around 17%).

       Sponsored

       Airlines | Sponsored Sponsored

       Flight Attendant Reveals How Seniors Can Fly Business Class For the Price Of Economy

       Undo

       If, for example, any pollster has Reform's lead shaved by a point or two it is always Labour which gains (and vice versa). This is now a two-horse race between Sir Keir and Nigel Farage.

       This then makes last night's humiliation all the worse for Labour and all the better for Reform. Especially if tax rises or spending cuts kick in, it won't be the Tories who gain but Reform.

       Even if some Labour support bleeds to the Greens and Lib Dems, the Conservatives gain nothing but Reform likely stays in first place.

       As I keep saying, if Reform can keep its poll lead for another year then the scales start to tilt for the next election, slated for 2029.

       At that point, support for Reform - including among previous non-voters - starts to bed in while some Tory MPs (reading the room) may begin to defect to Reform, beefing the latter's Parliamentary numbers.

       Don't miss... 'Labour pouring limited resources down drain instead of stimulating enterprise'

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

       However let me add a note of caution to Farage's party. Firstly, if the Tories poll numbers keep crashing then leader Kemi Badenoch could be sent packing.

       A new Tory leader won't necessarily save the Conservatives but could it hurt? Right now, Badenoch's leadership is a huge asset to Reform.

       Ditto Sir Keir. If the PM's authority is shredded much more, he too may be sent packing. The same goes for Chancellor Reeves.

       DON'T MISS

       Powered by

       Keir Starmer refuses to say Rachel Reeves will keep job as Chancellor

       17 Comments

       Piers Morgan has brutal response to Rachel Reeves 'crying' with nine-word question

       11 Comments

       'Humiliated' Keir Starmer torn apart on GB News with crushing 'U-turn' verdict

       51 Comments

       Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall hides during PMQs after benefit U-turn humiliation

       9 Comments

       Rachel Reeves allies 'reveal real reason for PMQs tears' - and one person's to blame

       97 Comments

       The 1 shocking graph that proves benefits in UK are out of control

       83 Comments

       Why did callous Keir Starmer fail to support his crying Chancellor Rachel Reeves?

       2 Comments

       I was in the Commons when Rachel Reeves cried and one thing stood out

       38 Comments

       Mel Stride says Rachel Reeves is 'running out of money' amid welfare chaos

       431 Comments

       Starmer sidekick torn to shreds in car crash interview after Labour climbdown

       3 Comments

       Rachel Reeves in the firing line as 'lame duck' Prime Minister plots reset

       21 Comments

       Speaker Lindsay Hoyle issues blunt 2-word statement on Rachel Reeves crying rumour

       23 Comments

       BBC News host skewers squirming Liz Kendall on air after humiliating blow for Starmer

       8 Comments

       Rachel Reeves breaks silence after shocking PMQs crying scenes

       361 Comments

       MIT Scientists Identify the Leading Cause of Senior FatigueAdvancedBionutritionals | Sponsored Sponsored

       Read More

       Undo

       Keir Starmer blasted for ‘worst start by new PM ever' by polling guru John Curtice

       29 Comments

       Blow for Keir Starmer as young voters abandon Labour for 2 parties

       109 Comments

       Get Up to 25% Off BlazePod for 4th of JulyBlazePod | Sponsored Sponsored

       Shop Now

       Undo

       POLL: Do you feel sorry for Rachel Reeves?

       213 Comments

       Tory questions 'legality' of DWP PIP changes ahead of key decision

       33 Comments

       Here's The Average Price of a 6-Hour Gutter Guards UpgradeHomebuddy.com | Sponsored Sponsored

       Read More

       Undo

       Keir Starmer's welfare cuts narrowly pass as 49 furious MPs stage rebellion

       479 Comments

       Shocking moment Rachel Reeves seen crying at brutal Prime Minister's Questions

       70 Comments

       Seniors Born 1936-1969 Receive 11 Benefits This MonthBetter Finances | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Keir Starmer refuses to say Rachel Reeves will keep job as Chancellor

       17 Comments

       Piers Morgan has brutal response to Rachel Reeves 'crying' with nine-word question

       11 Comments

       Activate Your 2025 Antivirus LicenseMcAfee.com | Sponsored Sponsored

       Click Here

       Undo

       'Humiliated' Keir Starmer torn apart on GB News with crushing 'U-turn' verdict

       51 Comments

       Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall hides during PMQs after benefit U-turn humiliation

       9 Comments

       Sudoku That Feels Like Pen & PaperClassic Sudoku | Sponsored Sponsored

       Download

       Undo

       Rachel Reeves allies 'reveal real reason for PMQs tears' - and one person's to blame

       97 Comments

       The 1 shocking graph that proves benefits in UK are out of control

       83 Comments

       Experts Tested 17 Hearing Aids. Their #1 Pick Will Shock Youhear.com | Sponsored Sponsored

       Undo

       Why did callous Keir Starmer fail to support his crying Chancellor Rachel Reeves?

       2 Comments

       I was in the Commons when Rachel Reeves cried and one thing stood out

       38 Comments

       Mouth Wrinkles Are No Match For This Little-Known Drugstore Wrinkle CreamLift & Firm | Sponsored Sponsored

       Undo

       Mel Stride says Rachel Reeves is 'running out of money' amid welfare chaos

       431 Comments

       Starmer sidekick torn to shreds in car crash interview after Labour climbdown

       3 Comments

       Wrap Foil Around Doorknobs When Alone, Here's WhyTrendGuruTips | Sponsored Sponsored

       Undo

       Rachel Reeves in the firing line as 'lame duck' Prime Minister plots reset

       21 Comments

       Speaker Lindsay Hoyle issues blunt 2-word statement on Rachel Reeves crying rumour

       23 Comments

       Seniors on SS Get New BenefitsWalletJump | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       BBC News host skewers squirming Liz Kendall on air after humiliating blow for Starmer

       8 Comments

       Rachel Reeves breaks silence after shocking PMQs crying scenes

       361 Comments

       Keir Starmer blasted for ‘worst start by new PM ever' by polling guru John Curtice

       29 Comments

       Blow for Keir Starmer as young voters abandon Labour for 2 parties

       109 Comments

       POLL: Do you feel sorry for Rachel Reeves?

       213 Comments

       Tory questions 'legality' of DWP PIP changes ahead of key decision

       33 Comments

       Keir Starmer's welfare cuts narrowly pass as 49 furious MPs stage rebellion

       479 Comments

       Shocking moment Rachel Reeves seen crying at brutal Prime Minister's Questions

       70 Comments

       Keir Starmer refuses to say Rachel Reeves will keep job as Chancellor

       17 Comments

       Piers Morgan has brutal response to Rachel Reeves 'crying' with nine-word question

       11 Comments

       'Humiliated' Keir Starmer torn apart on GB News with crushing 'U-turn' verdict

       51 Comments

       Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall hides during PMQs after benefit U-turn humiliation

       9 Comments

       Rachel Reeves allies 'reveal real reason for PMQs tears' - and one person's to blame

       97 Comments

       The 1 shocking graph that proves benefits in UK are out of control

       83 Comments

       Why did callous Keir Starmer fail to support his crying Chancellor Rachel Reeves?

       2 Comments

       Nevada: Govt Will Cover The Cost Of Solar For Eligible Homeowners In These Zip CodesEnergy Bill Cruncher

       Undo

       by Taboola by Taboola

       Sponsored Links Sponsored Links

       Promoted Links Promoted Links

       Social Security Recipients Under $2,384/Mo Now Entitled To 15 "Kickbacks"Exclusive Benefits

       Undo

       by Taboola by Taboola

       Sponsored Links Sponsored Links

       Promoted Links Promoted Links

       Social Security Recipients Under $2,384/Mo Now Entitled To 14 "Kickbacks"Exclusive Benefits

       Undo

       by Taboola by Taboola

       Sponsored Links Sponsored Links

       Promoted Links Promoted Links

       Forget the Gym: The Real Secret to Lose Fat And Build Muscle After 40Tonic Gym Pro

       Undo

       by Taboola by Taboola

       Sponsored Links Sponsored Links

       Promoted Links Promoted Links

       Pole-position to replace the PM must surely be Angela Rayner or Wes Streeting, working class heroes with stories to tell. Either could connect better with Labour grassroots and the type of folks currently flirting with Reform.

       If Labour and Tory woes persist therefore, new leaders for both parties could be in the offing. That won't necessarily be good news for Nigel Farage, currently able to capitalise on the unpopularity of the current leaders.

       The story this week however is a PM with weakened authority, a government forced into a climbdown and tax rises likely on the way. Reform can only gain from this. But the next election is still four years away. This is no time for complacency from Farage and co.