Our media fixation with Keir Starmer is becoming a literal drag on the country now.
As I write this, I can already see the replies forming below, accusing me of being a Labour shill etc. but, believe it or not, I am not.
Maybe it's worth setting this out โ I have no party affiliation. None. I'm not 'on the right' โฆ but that's as far as it goes.
There are policies and people that I admire across the Lib Dems, Greens and Labour. Conversely, there are policies and people I am vehemently against within each of those parties as well.
There are some decent Conservatives left but fewer and fewer in frontline politics and I can have excellent discussions with those moderate Tories that remain.
Where my line in the sand is drawn though, as I'm sure you're all aware, is the far-right. Reform UK and Restore Britain. I have no common ground with their populism โ I see through the propaganda.
This doesn't mean that I think every member of Reform UK is a bad person, far from it, but I cannot rationalise their top-line bravado into credible politics.
So, with all that being said, I think the witch-hunt of Keir Starmer is distracting the public from some far more serious crises.
Since the very day Starmer took office, there has been an onslaught from the media; desperation to try and topple him and his principal team. This played out successfully with Angela Rayner, and they have been vicious and relentless pursuing Rachel Reeves.
I listened to Paul Brand on LBC at the weekend continuously comparing Starmer to Boris Johnson in terms of sleaze.
Have we collectively lost our minds? There is no other Prime Minister in history that compares to Johnson for scandal.
The elephant in the room โ Peter Mandelson.
But is it really an elephant still? Clearly, Starmer should never have brought the Prince of Darkness into his team, that was a madness and severe failing of judgement. One for which he has accepted responsibility and apologised on multiple occasions.
The vetting process appears to be, pretty much, a non-story, despite what Dan Hodges and GB News are shovelling out.
So โฆ we should be moving on. Shouldn't we?
Kemi Badenoch and her famously robust judgement felt not yesterday, and spent more of her diminishing political currency by pushing Starmer with six questions at PMQs on the subject. She was met with a well briefed lawyer, that, in all honesty, made her look a bit silly for continuing her defeated line of questioning.
While this continues to dominate the headlines, other far more crucial issues are being missed โ we're going to run low on fuel soon, the cost of living is about to skyrocket, holidays will be cancelled imminently.
But mainly ... the cost of living is about to skyrocket.
We saw in yesterday's inflation rise that food is already moving upward, if Trump's ludicrous war in Iran continues, then we're all going to suffer the consequences.
Surely, this is a far more pressing matter? One in which the government should be fully engaged in order to help protect the public โ it's number one duty.
It is very telling that Reform UK are spending very little time on the Starmer issue. They sent Lee Anderson out to raise this issue, for goodnessโ sake. LEE ANDERSON.
Farage is hyper focused on the local elections, safe in the knowledge that the media is obsessing over Keir Starmer, once again. He's making hay while the S*n shines on Labour.
Jeez! This went on a bit, sorry, but it feels critical to me. We are being led around by the nose by the legacy media outlets. They smell blood in the water, but I really don't think the story is there. Not yet.
And while the sharks circle, Reform UK are flying under the radar, ready to swoop on the local elections [sorry for the weird mixed metaphors โ it's early!].
Have a lovely sunny day. ๐
Of course what @UKLabour MPs and @Keir_Starmer should do is acknowledge the defeat, get behind the government, show they are listening and focus on policy that will get their part of electorate onside. As they still have massive majority
Of course they wonโt thoughโฆโฆ..
#GortonAndDenton now we enter the mandatory time of unnamed MPs saying the PM must go etc. Quotes handed to journalists who revel in it
They donโt give flying F about the country if you canโt see instability at the top opens the door even more
You thought there should be a reaction from @EnglandRugby they have been worse.
You really have to look at what the coaches have been doing to such a talented bunch to get them playing like this.
Schooled in coaching and performance.
Ireland pure class everywhere. #engvsire
@johnmcdonnellMP So keen to see the right back in power.
Rather be angry shouting form the sides than mar meaningful change slowly.
Itโs actually the vitriol of Labour MPs thatโs turning me off voting Labour again not the PM.
Itโs always amazing how many people in @UKLabour including MPs seemingly want the right of politics to be in power and not them.
They finally get in power and their focus is solely on self interest of themselves.
"Leading into this Test match, I actually think we over prepared to be honest."
- Brendon McCullum talks about England's approach heading into Brisbane and whether it'll change for Adelaide #Ashes
@bbctms why is no one talking about the @englandcricket prep hardly any time in Oz and no test cricket
Not really a surprise to see us crumble like this