Prime Minister Keir Starmer has given a shocking response when asked why he failed to support his Chancellor Rachel Reeves during an extraordinary moment in Parliament. The incident occurred when Reeves was seen openly crying behind Starmer as his MPs delivered a crushing blow to his proposed welfare reforms.
The dramatic scene unfolded just one year after Starmer’s historic election victory, when he and his team were celebrating their win with champagne. Now, twelve months later, the Prime Minister finds himself in a very different position, with his Chancellor in tears after a major political defeat.
When a journalist asked Starmer why he did not show support to his Chancellor, who was sitting just inches away from him, his response was deeply concerning. “In PMQs, it was like bang bang bang… that’s what it was yesterday, and therefore, I was probably the last to appreciate anything going on in the chamber,” Starmer said. He claimed he was too busy answering questions to notice what was happening.
Starmer’s disconnect from his own cabinet raises serious questions
The Prime Minister’s excuse has raised serious questions about his leadership abilities, a concerning pattern we’ve seen with other world leaders facing political crises. If he cannot notice his most powerful cabinet member crying just inches away from him, how can he be expected to understand the feelings of the entire nation during a crisis?
Political observers note that Reeves has faced numerous challenges during her time as Chancellor, with her tenure being marked by several difficult moments. However, the lack of support from her own party leader during such a vulnerable moment has shocked many in Westminster.
The incident highlights a troubling pattern of disconnect between Starmer and his team. In local politics, even rival party members typically show basic human decency when a colleague is in distress. The fact that no one from Starmer’s team moved to support Reeves or temporarily pause proceedings shows a concerning lack of awareness and compassion.
Critics argue that this moment reveals something fundamental about Starmer’s leadership style and his ability to connect with those around him, a leadership crisis that mirrors political upheavals we’ve seen elsewhere. If he cannot recognize when his closest ally needs support, questions remain about his capacity to lead the country through challenging times. The Prime Minister’s weak explanation has only made the situation worse, suggesting he was completely unaware of the distress of someone sitting right next to him during one of the most important moments in Parliament.
Published: Jul 4, 2025 04:50 am