Starmer’s government should be the most powerful in the West. To save the Labour party he must remember that in 2026, writes John McTernan

January, like the Roman god Janus who the month is named after, faces two ways. The turning of a new year allows you to look backwards: it is a time for reflection on achievements measured against aspirations; a moment of honest and searching stocktaking. It is also the opportunity for looking forward and making New Year’s resolutions – what will you change? As Prime Minister Starmer returns to Downing Street for the new political year, what should his resolution be?

The coming year will be a severe test for the Labour government. The Prime Minister and his Chancellor Rachel Reeves are now two of the most unpopular politicians ever to have held their posts – even compared to Margaret Thatcher and Liz Truss at their lowest ebb. This May will bring the closest the UK has to the “mid-terms” in the US.

There will be votes in elections to the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Senedd, all London Boroughs and many councils across England. In each and every contest, humiliation is expected for Labour – unsurprisingly........

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