Could Starmer's ordinariness be his greatest asset? | James O'Brien - The Whole Show

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[@NB-nk1qy]

No his greatest asset is how ridiculous the Conservative Party have been

[@dazzlerweb]

Absolutely.

[@jamesmccabe2000]

i'd argue that's his only asset.

[@naveed210]

​@@jamesmccabe2000 💯 James O'Brien is a total and utter joke. He's staked his whole popularity on being anti-corbyn which is hardly brave, only to then end up saying is Starmer's mediocrity his greatest asset 😂

[@sharondexter8361]

If you look at Starmers rise in his professional career he may not be a showman but it's a very impressive CV. It actually shows his commitment to serve and to climb the ranks. I'd rather have someone running the country who knows what he's doing, with fiscal experience of running his own public departments and hasn't turned his back on his roots. We've had the circus act of the tories for long enough,it's time for change.

[@margaretalice6343]

James whilst speaking to Rachel let’s be fair Labour has a BIG task to turn this country around. Tories must be laughing tbh cos whoever gets elected they’ve left behind a disaster.

[@johndewhurst6609]

This is the usual outcome of tory rule. Run the country for the wealthy, cause financial crisis then leave labour to sort it out. The banking crash in 2008 was caused by Margaret Thatcher deregulating the banks (with Ronald Reagan) in 1996. The banks were encouraged to take risks for short term profits and inevitably it crashed and Labour was left to sort out the mess.

[@BruthaMuzone]

Re; Kier Starmer - He isn't dull or unremarkable. He just hasn't the panache, the showmanship you've grown accustom! In other words he's an adult addressing the class clowns of politics.

[@marty1459]

He's bottled almost every pledge he made to get the leadership so why trust a word that comes out of his mouth?

[@wrzlygummidge]

exactly, we don't need a stand up comedian running the country

[@andrewjones-productions]

You are right, but the lack of showmanship and panache is exactly what the press, media and consequently the public will ridicule him for if and when he becomes prime minister and it looks likely that prime minister he will be sometime during the course of this year. What we certainly don't need is a prime minister that is all show and no substance whatsoever, but the public inevitably expect somebody a bit more charismatic than what Starmer is at present. The irony being that the public tire quickly of charisma as Churchill found out when he lost the election after the Second World War.

[@alfredotebasco]

James is a wonderful voice of reason, one of a few in these bleak times of Tory client media. I haven't heard him say something I disagree with for a long long time. May he bless us with his empathetic and intellectual musings for many years to come.

[@callum4796]

I couldn't agree more

[@rprobp186]

Echo chamber alert

[@margaretalice6343]

Tories can only call him boring. He’s not of course but Tories have no dirt on him. The British public has tons on Tories. Sunak with dodging tax etc etc etc not to mention lies lies lies

[@johndewhurst6609]

I am old Labour, Although Starmer is a safe pair of hands he seems to lack the fire of ex trade union members who had a commitment to help the working class. I think Angela Raynor has the background to make a great PM if Starmer does not workout. Success comes from a well paid workforce that creates the wealth for the country. that spreads up through all the society. The trickle down economy is a myth spread by the rich.

[@zoltan-zq3xe]

Today's left are so far removed from the working class it's no joke, there puppets of billionaire globalist WEF elites and the UN they couldn't give a toss about the well-being of the working class.

[@mustaphaluke]

Rayner is a career politician, who prefers populism over policy

[@mjcats2011]

​@mustaphaluke That is BS. Please tell me you are not a Tory shill because if you are, you must know that you are being ridiculous.

[@mustaphaluke]

@@mjcats2011 Her argument to deny an informed referendum and thus aid and abet Tory Brexit was one of the worst, and there were some pretty bad arguments. She went with the fat controllers; "Get Brexit Done"

[@VinceLammas]

⁠​⁠@@mustaphalukeYou clearly don’t know Rayner’s back-story. She is so far away from the career or dynasty politician than you will find anywhere. You are spouting I’ll-informed nonsense.

[@TrevorBarre]

When did we start expecting politicians to be entertainers? Blair, Fatso? When I was growing up, politicians were expected to be dull. We have had enough of 'characters'.

[@englishrose2055]

I think we follow suit sometimes with the pantomime of American politics. If you ever watch their election stuff, it's a massive clown show, but highly entertaining. 😅

[@johndewhurst6609]

No government should not be able to use National Insurance as a tax income to the government. National Insurance is supposed to be for pensions and the NHS.

[@johndewhurst6609]

The Tories are running out of time for them all to qualify for the £15,000 ex pm pension.

[@runeip2]

It's lots more than that.

[@johndewhurst6609]

Yes your right its £115,000@@runeip2

[@joshuaDstarks]

Imagine “ordinary” being newfangled and fresh feeling. What a time.

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

As horrible & outrageous as Tories have been Ordinary would be a fresh change of pace.

[@alanwatterson2850]

It's done wonders for the US.

[@user-xk2ig4tc3f]

This was a really interesting listen, loved the caller who highlighted to swing in our history between charismatic and a steady hand on the tiller.

[@northwestcoast]

I’m thinking that the more informed you are, the less charisma matters but for the less well informed, charisma is pretty important

[@moldyolddough1]

People should be voting for policies, not personalities. Sadly Starmer is lacking in both!

[@paulgibbons2320]

It's suicide, people are crying out for change. Voting for a middle of the road marvel is not an option for most.

[@wrzlygummidge]

Lets go with a maritime metaphor: who do you want steering the ship going forward? The ship hasnt been maintained over the past 14 years, approaching unseaworthiness, and we've tried Capt Pugwash (Johnson) and Capt Ahab (Truss)......time for a steady hand on the wheel.

[@MiPointIs]

Starmer ls staid and sensible, he draws on his past legal experience to avoid being goaded into revealing his manifesto plans. Starmer is the antidote the country needs to heal from 14 years of the Tory ineptitude.

[@chatham43]

We need an ordinary joe to get the working classes back!

[@alizaidi2893]

Sir Keir Starmer has said he is "surprised" the Met is asking for information about war crimes in Israel and Gaza while people are getting stabbed to death or mugged in London The Labour leader said the force will be "held to account" for the decision to put resources towards examining a war in the Middle East. Detectives have been asking for arrivals at airports to pass on any information they may have about crimes against humanity there relating to either Hamas's October 7 massacre or Israel's attack on Gaza.

[@TheAArmstrong]

@@alizaidi2893 And what exactly are the met police going to do about Gaza?? Absolutely nothing.

[@user-wq6sz7vt3w]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@terrybond2240]

Keir Starmer, what a remarkable source of inspiration! Does his integrity and motivations extend beyond securing victory in the elections? I am positively brimming with excitement at the prospect of casting my vote for an individual solely on the basis of being less dreadful than the abominable, deceitful, and repugnant government we have had the misfortune of enduring. Voting feels like a futile exercise as faith in democracy and most institutions of the state has evaporated.

[@brianbarcroft9167]

I agree entirely. I for one have had enough of Flashmen and ineptness.

[@margaretalice6343]

James I do believe personally J Hunt has a lot of merit. However he’s chosen to join the disastrous Tory cabinet. He has chosen to do that so my view of him has now been severely shaken tbh

[@31Blaize]

I started reading the Telegraph article about CEOs because I thought it was a spoof. How wrong I was...

[@Joan-xf6cb]

H&M could have become as popular as Lady Di, but the green eyed monster didn't like it (most defo would be different if Meghan was blonde), so it used the media to take them down and exile them. However, in contrast, W&K have been elevated and every story on them in the media has a positive spin. Sadly, most people are susceptible to this messaging (because it feeds their own subtle biases) and they have fallen for it - hook, line and sinker.

[@spirit5228]

Well said! We see them

[@MasterOfSubwayNinjas]

Starmer was a barrister and director of prosecutions. He has awards and qualifications coming out of his ears. So yeah, just your average ordinary British man 🤔🤨

[@mjcats2011]

And that's a bad thing? Please don't tell me that thinks that educated people cannot be ordinary. Really?

[@MasterOfSubwayNinjas]

An ordinary educated person who has a doctorate of universities(whatever that is), on top of a doctorate of laws and became the director of prosecutions. Then theres the list of honours. The guy is not simply an everyday educated person. Stop with the picture painting already.

[@MasterOfSubwayNinjas]

@@mjcats2011 Or do you think ordinary people are regularly appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath?

[@Bikejon]

He wasn’t born into that privilege though. That’s the point. He worked for it. Surely that sort of demonstrable competence (even excellence) is what we should be seeking as a leader?

[@MasterOfSubwayNinjas]

@@Bikejon My post adresses the label "ordinary" in the title. I would prefer to give labour a chance than keep the tories in. Out of interest though. How privileged was Starmers upbringing? His mother was a nurse and his further a "tool maker". Does that mean his father made some tools and sold them on a market stand, or does it mean he ran a successful multi national toolmaking business?

[@snowyowel7961]

Ordinary 😂 🤣 😂 why don't you just call him boring and be done with it.

[@SarahAslam-qq2fo]

Starmer is a Tory with a Labour title. He will change nothing. We need a real change and trustworthy leadership!

[@danielfox1301]

What a load of old trot...

[@MsTravelady]

Bingo. I distrust him as much as any Tory.

[@jpstirling]

For those who don't agree with this, you have been and will likely continue to be asleep.

[@andi17ish]

Correct

[@eddiecalderone]

@@MsTravelady Must have been horrible for you to put up with so many Tory governments

[@stop-the-greed]

Thank you James . 3 years in a row . My dads Christmas gift is a book from you ..hes now 78 . So next year please do a large print

[@jezzacc4241]

Anyone who thinks Kier Starmer is the solution to the nation's problems is beyond deluded.

[@mjcats2011]

Do you think that Rishi is? Personally, I prefer Angela Rayner.

[@MrDamodee]

100% agree!

[@user-ez8bx6ly8v]

Love all your contributiors especially Jennifer of Chiswick these young people are our future 👍

[@renadesouza2990]

Thank you James for your astute observations on the British media's bias against Meghan and Harry.

[@middleman9183]

Don't you mean James's bias on the astute observations by the media? 😂

[@mickreaddin4979]

​@@middleman9183The media critisise Harry's wife for having poisonous flowers in her bouquet, yet praise Will's wife for having exactly the same flowers? Astute observations indeed!

[@annemoncrieff3875]

I don't read little english bias msm but from what I can garner hand m have not been treated any differ to any other member of rf. They have all been attacked over the years and at moment it is the turn of the King cos if his age etc. As for h, I am not a monarchist but I even have to say the things h has printed and said about the rf is terrible. I lost my father at same age he lost his mother. It messed up my life but I haven't blamed anyone else for it. He died thru an accident too but doing things like the blame game only turns u into a bitter, twisted individual.

[@mickreaddin4979]

@@annemoncrieff3875 So even the glaringly obvious disparities that O'Brien points between the reporting of the two couples doesn't make you think twice? Was your father chased down the road at speed by a few dozen paparazzi? Are you suggesting the Harry and his wife should say nothing about how they're being treated, that they have no right of reply?

[@jamessteel9016]

His greatest asset is Keir is a grown up, people are sick of celebrity politicians like spaffer and want some kind of normality.

[@wjarnock44]

I think you are trying to like him James - because you have no other choice.

[@MrDavidp180]

All I want to know is where did x amount of billion pounds go? Written off? Whose pockets?

[@frixosfriedman7813]

He's Conservative?

[@michaelhoodleeder]

Great discussion James. Thankyou

[@SuperBenismail]

Apparently the key to Number 10 is hanging loosely awaiting the leader of the Labour Party to pick up. With his eyes wide open to that, Starmer has so far made a plethora of pledges, but it remains to be said that "putting rhetoric to action matters the most".

[@user-xk2ig4tc3f]

Isn't that the position of all parties at election time ?

[@lenwilkinson672]

@Supe…. Heaven help this United Kingdom. Should .socialism attain power.

[@user-xk2ig4tc3f]

@lenwilkinson672 ermmm we have done just fine for 100 years with socialist governments, that's why we have an NHS and aren't bankrupted when we fall ill.

[@mjcats2011]

​@@lenwilkinson672So you think what the Tories have done is great? You must be off your chump.

[@RugbyPass81]

​@@lenwilkinson672Why would that be then? Do you know what socialism is?

[@wjarnock44]

Just comparing Kier Starmer with John Smith. What a loss.

[@hg82met]

His greatest asset is how unelectable the Tories are. Starmer isn't bringing much to the table.

[@atambwalisametana6363]

Have they changed the definition of "ordinary" ?

[@chatham43]

Your average man on the street. Just what we need to get the working classes back.

[@user-mv3wq2su3k]

Staid is the descriptive word about Starmer

[@orinemia]

I like Sir Keir Starmer...staid, boring and undramatic. Same with Angela Rayner who I just saw on the Rest is Politics podcast. I will be voting Labour wholeheartedly, let's see what they bring

[@chatham43]

..Angela Raynor may tempt the working classes back to Labour?

[@TENTikkTik]

He's a tony Blair 2.0

[@slimysi99]

Starmer = insipid?

[@peterclarkson3434]

It's not ordinariness. It's boring and anaemic - his personality.

[@davidramsbottom35]

The supposed "dullness" label given to Kier Starmer is only made in relation to the tenure of Boris Johnson surely? And whilst we all now know & see how deeply lacking in suitability, ability, political beliefs, trustworthyness & intelligence Johnson truly was then this is what 'Charisma' & 'personality cult' is likely to deliver. For this reason I admire him a great deal. Starmer could easily play up his working class roots & how this gives him a better connection & insight into the 'average joe' working person.... but he doesn;t. He could use many things like this to boost his populist image, but he sticks to his political vision rather than any irrelivent personal trait that may play well with the public.

[@demejiuk5660]

Have no idea why LBC is stuffing Starmer down our throats.

[@Hoolygan4ever]

Is someone from LBC forcing you to listen?

[@TerryJC1971]

You just have no idea

[@gemmapeter7173]

The same people who sabotaged their parties previous election chances are now gonna tell people how uncaring they are for not voting Labour to get the Tories out.

[@dazzlerweb]

take a guess.

[@ItsBugsy]

Because O'Brien is a champagne socialist*

[@mikebg1984]

Man just said Jeremy Hunt isn't cut from the same cloth..... look at what he's done as a minister each time. Horrible man.

[@Dynasty1818]

This site/radio is so pathetically pro-Labour.

[@davidbamford1971]

That is nauseating, Starmer cares about nothing but his own career. He left the innocent residents of gaza to their deaths without uttering a word. His ordinariness is another way of saying he is a wooden, insincere, and aloof man without any core principles.

[@Britain4775]

Rishi cares about nothing but his own career. he left the innocent residents of Gaza to their deaths without uttering a word.

[@davidbamford1971]

​​@JanWhite4775 And how does that excuse Stramers non actions? We expect that from the Tories, not the party of Attlee, or Bevan, of lansbury, of Benn, of Henderdon, and of the real Keir, that's Keir Hardy.

[@mjcats2011]

@davidbamford1971 Yes I do not like Starmers stance on Gaza either but it seems that people hold the Labour Party to a much much higher standard whilst shrugging their shoulders on Tory Incompetence and Corruption.

[@TheAArmstrong]

His stance on Gaza, whilst limp, isn’t really relevant to how he would govern and sort out the UK.

[@glynjones5280]

TORY STARMER

[@sylviahowells2510]

Call o'Brien aka keir starmer spokesman .when will he be critical of starmer

[@carysparkes]

You're going to be crying pretty hard in a few months...

[@m00plank90]

Harry and Andrew run in different circles. Just look who is mentioned on the same breath as him in the allegations. People in the establishment, like piers , have an axe to grind with Meghan.

[@stevepipenger4651]

As I recall, James' name for Andy W. was, "Andrew Windsor, the pedophiles friend." I kinda like that one.

[@ArtyFactual_Intelligence]

Proper government is about teamwork, not the existence of a mad cartoon at the head of it all.

[@garyford944]

Nice of you to buy the coffee and sandwich for that homeless guy at Euston bus station James.

[@merked1980]

Who decides he's ordinary? Who writes and frames the articles and what we see of him? His biggest asset is having the mainstream media in his pocket (for some reason)..

[@duckweedy]

Starmer flip flops. not that he has no opinions more they change from week to week

[@Lasquez111]

You think it’s bad now Prepare for a woke starmagedon!

[@tomdavies6443]

Sir Keith is just your average Joe. So many of us have been knighted and met the Queen. Regards from a Tom :)

[@dnightwalker]

That tittle is a backhanded compliment if I ever seen one. 😆

[@mustertherohirrim7315]

Why is Farage so 'terrible' i want to know. Like Enoch i suppose by by - passing all the logic and end situations

[@peterhixon371]

Starmer is about as ordinary as is Dominic Cummings!

[@philipsudron]

Mr Starmer has the advantage of being so dull that his people can just get on with quietly governing the country without all the irrelevant distractions.

[@foreverblue06]

Starmer is an old style Conservative in everything but name. We will see little to no change if he becomes PM. He will maintain the majority of Tory policies.

[@alanwatterson2850]

"salubrious"? Who cares how healthy his clients were.

[@BarbaraWatson-vl3uu]

Maybe duplicitous for describing the leader of the Labour Party

[@bethanp3453]

Guarded. Not dull. Which isn't the best tactic when you're aiming to get the public to vote for you. Dull is fine but he's so guarded it's almost cagey. At some point he is going to have to let the general public in on his plans.

[@ffotograffydd]

That’s what manifestos are for, once Sunak has the guts to call an election the opposition parties will publish their manifestos, that’s how it works.

[@VinceLammas]

Sensible, considered and grown-up are qualities that UK voters have become unused to.

[@mjcats2011]

Wow Jason The media has handled Harry and Meghan in fantastic fashion other than Danny Baker. What a cap doffer. Let's blame everything on Danny Baker's horrible tweet and give all of Fleet Street a pass. Clearly he hasn't come across Piers Morgan's disgusting character assisination of Meghan. JOB certainly saw through that geezer.

[@RugbyPass81]

I think Starmer is nothing more than a Tory wearing a red rosette.

[@agnes5108]

Brexit ❤ Daniel Boland brought me here

[@stop-the-greed]

Until the manifesto is released we will see nothing .i think he is playing his card close ... I think we will see a surprisingly left wing ( alas centrist in the face of oligarchy) . but its so bad when you look back at Major or Blair..and think .. what went wrong

[@ronaldforkings567]

A reliable Statesman a patriot to the country and contains no bull

[@englishrose2055]

He's not as flashy but I dont want flashy, I want honest. I think he has got better over the year, and hes tough to disagree or argue with in the house. I like him, and I hope he'll be a strong leader.

[@tanyaandelvis2698]

Sir Kier…millionaire Westminster bubble Lawyer, London based ..ordinary ? Get real.

[@dazzlerweb]

says one thing, does something else.

[@geraldineskinner5941]

Something something Brexit

[@user-ez8bx6ly8v]

A Man of integrity honesty accountability professionalism unlike Sunak i think Kier Stamer is a deasent man, We've had enough of populist clown's i believe he truly wants to serve our country and try and change it for the better i think he's quite funny i saw you interview him i came across as quite witty... tongue and cheek..i believe he's trustworthy.. What is charisma?? The Tories will with their client media with try and potry Kier Stamer as dull..

[@lenwilkinson672]

Is it unpatriotic to prefer an English prime minister. Rather than someone who is not .

[@runeip2]

No, but it's certainly prejudiced.

[@mickreaddin4979]

Johnson was born in America, was he English enough?

[@stevenhodgson4227]

He's grey.

[@AndyThurman-zj3em]

At least thanks to Brexit Aldi sells "wonky" fruit and veg; straight bananas & bent carrots . . . . . . Whoopee!

[@StephMcAlea]

Beige.

[@margaretalice6343]

1030 caller nailed it tbh. Sir Keir Starmer has standards This is a lightbulb moment. He’s decent he has standards we ALL want in a leader. Perhaps too he has MPs who have the same standards and values too.

[@stobeszx9674]

Standards.....what about Saville fiasco......utter tripe......

[@stobeszx9674]

Smarmer also harped on about partygate.....then got caught himself doing the same.......standards....yep....double hypocritical ones......!!!!

[@jameslindsay5889]

Still shilling for this empty suit 🥱

[@lestrem11]

If he didn’t open his mouth he would be a better candidate. Beth Rigby tore him a new one and she wasn’t even trying. Wait until she interviews Angela Rayner.🫣

[@andrewjones-productions]

"Could Starmer's ordinariness be his greatest asset?" Pre-election, probably yes. Post election, no, probably not. John Major was pretty ordinary in some ways and the media and press crucified him for it. I highly suspect that Starmer's ordinariness in the role of Prime Minister will be his hindrance as his responses will appear, or more accurately, be made to appear limp, weak and lacking in leadership. Theresa May too suffered from this and even though she is a Tory, had a pretty ordinary background and upbringing. The public love ordinariness in backbenchers and opposition leaders, but quite contrarily, loathe it when they are the head of government.

[@mallory10259]

he looks ok to me after what the tories have turned out.

[@chrishowlett9462]

I think Starmer is solid, and what other kind of quality would you want in a leader?

[@mickreaddin4979]

Honesty, integrity and morality?

[@callum4796]

Ive not really seen the doctor about it and i probably really should but i think i might have long COVID. I was unlucky enough to catch it 6 times in the pandemic with the first time being the worst and leaving me bed ridden. Ever since i keep having these random bouts of extreme fatigue almost to the point where i could fall asleep standing up. Not to mention i keep getting randomly short of breath, severe brain fog and aches. It is quite debilitating. But is there even a point in me seeing the doctor for it? Because from what ive heard theres absolutely nothing they can do about.

[@Jakeyboyofjoy4]

In short... no

[@margaretbloomer9001]

'...hard working families...' '..our NHS..' yadda yadda. I do wish politicians of all stripes would stop spouting these patronising lines. Labour politicians like Ms. Reeves, need to stop reiterating this Tory rhetoric if they want credibility.

[@54spatula]

James, sometimes I could kiss your mind.

[@joyfuls6859]

Reserved

[@MaryMclare-sp6vx]

James hope you and your family are well. Boris Johnson has put the uk forward for the New World order and Who. I can't imagine what future we will have along with future generations. The uk should have put forward to stop the war in gaza and asked for peace talks

[@queenirmamay]

Love someone that just get on with the job but also knows how to move for now its an art to move between generations that me just saying I don't have it. Loyalty when you understand the full meaning

[@mycatsnameiskaren8253]

Something something something, Brexit 😆

[@anthonymcnamee6297]

Wooden blue clone

[@chatham43]

...but a Labour wooden blue clone..that's the point!

[@SuzanneO707]

Its come out now that Rishi, was not too happy about plan Rwanda. Not because it was bonkers and inhumane. Because of the cost. Bless him. 🙄

[@davidedwards1476]

He has been very vocal on that this country is now the highest taxed ever, but when asked if he will lower the tax burden on the people, his reply was that we have to grow the economy, so what is the point of voting for Starmer and the Labour Party when all we will get is the same as what Rishi is trying to do?😒

[@jmas1219]

Growing the economy is nothing to do with increasing tax. Economic growth is about increasing productivity. The fastest way to do that is to align more closely to our nearest and best trading partners in Europe and that is something that Starmer has already started working on. Investment in green technology is another of his plans which will reduce and eventually remove our reliance on expensive imported energy. Sunak is not trying to grow the economy in the slightest. Very much the opposite. He is looting it.

[@Bikejon]

I think it will take time to steer the ship in a different direction and improve the country. Also, Starmer would be absolutely roasted in the media if he pulls in an extreme direction. His aim has to be winning the election first and “carry that ming vase across the ice rink”. Remember what happened to Corbyn? He has to take a different path.

[@davidedwards1476]

@@Bikejon Of course it will take time, this cost of living crisis is a global problem and Rishi is doing his best to get us through this, Starmer will not do anything different, we know that he doesn't keep his promises, we could end up where Truss took us, and Rishi has stableised the economy now and we are slowly improving 😊

[@cathalrooney9409]

Stammer : “No apartheid in Israel” 😮.

[@DeniseWilliams-jr5xo]

Yes he's got that wrong. I'm voting Labour in spite of Starmer not because of him.

[@kathchandler4919]

Give me intelligent over comical any time , what's the matter with folk 🤔