Now we know how Keir Starmer will fall

After coasting his way to No. 10, Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership has got off to a pretty cursed start. Some of this wasn’t his fault, such as the Southport riots, and some has come from enacting policies that, while controversial, represent rational political choices, such as means-testing the winter fuel payment and early release of prisoners. But alongside these there has been a gradual piling up of missteps, miscalculations and unforced errors. The most headline-grabbing have involved the Prime Minister, his wife and the running of Downing Street.

The last five years of Tory government weren’t the only political gifts Sir Keir has been handed. In April, he declared £18,000 worth of clothing from Labour peer Lord Alli but failed to declare £5,000 in clothing, personal shopping and tailoring for his wife, Lady Starmer. His office is said to have been acting upon inaccurate advice and to have updated parliamentary authorities once the error became apparent.