Leaders rarely fail because of a single decision. Starmer’s problem is that voters are pessimistic on almost every major measure, writes Matthew Lesh

The start of the year has been dominated by truly ground-shaking global events – from the extraordinary American operation disposing of Venezuela’s autocratic leader, through to heroic protesters risking their lives on the streets of Tehran, and Donald Trump making claims to Greenland’s finest glaciers. It’s hard to believe we’re not even halfway through January.

This month’s City AM / Freshwater Strategy Poll reflects these events in the increased number of British voters who say improving defence and national security is among their top three priorities for the government (up seven points to 18 per cent). Yet, for all the noise, global affairs remain a relatively distant concern for most, still far outweighed by domestic priorities: cost of living (54 per cent), migration (45 per cent), and health and social care (35 per cent).

These issues will play a defining role in........

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