Labour might face challenges in maintaining public support post-election
- Political scientist Robert Ford warns of potential low turnout impacting Labour's commanding lead.
- Guardian columnist Rafael Behr discusses the need for Labour to navigate different modes of Starmerism once in power.
- Labour's future success post-election may be uncertain due to potential challenges in maintaining public support.
Labour's vote share has softened slightly in recent polling, but they still maintain a strong lead over the Tories. Many in the media are already considering Labour as a government-in-waiting. However, persuading voters to accept Labour as a second-best option may be challenging, especially if their offer appears weak. The dominant position of Labour in the polls may be difficult to maintain until the end of the race, and there is a risk of abstention affecting their support, particularly among young and struggling demographics. The message discipline during the campaign may have stored up problems for the future government. The focus has been on winning the election, with less attention given to post-victory plans. Starmer's campaign director, Morgan McSweeney, has been instrumental in securing the win, but there is tension between different roles within the party. Starmer is seen as better qualified for the administrative side of government than most opposition leaders, but the transition to governing will still pose significant challenges. Overall, a modest display of competence may be enough to impress compared to previous leadership.