The current Labour leader, Keir Starmer, has found himself distancing from his predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn for some time now.

Back in 2020, Starmer's victory speech was filled with acknowledgments and thanks towards Corbyn. He described Corbyn as a "friend" and pledged his support to continue the legacy. However, fast forward to 2023, and the tone has drastically changed. When questioned on LBC Radio about his relationship with Corbyn, Starmer distanced himself, stating, "No, not in the sense that we went to visit each other or anything like that. I worked with him as a colleague. As I say, I haven’t spoken to him now for two-and-a-half years."

This denial seems particularly pointed given the context of Corbyn’s current standing. Corbyn now sits as an independent MP for Islington North, following his suspension from the Labour Party over the handling of antisemitism allegations during his leadership.

Starmer's recent comments mark a clear contradiction to his earlier declarations when his rhetoric suggested a close alignment with Corbyn, likely aiming to unify the party’s factions and garner support from Corbyn's loyal base. However, as the political landscape evolved and the need to distance from Corbyn's controversial tenure became apparent, Starmer’s language shifted to emphasize their professional rather than personal relationship.

This discrepancy highlights a broader strategy within Starmer's leadership to redefine his position within the party and to the public. The initial embrace of Corbyn’s influence was a strategic move to consolidate power, but as the leader’s political calculations adjusted, so too did his portrayal of their relationship.

SOURCES

1st Video: BBC: The Andrew Marr Show : 20-October-2019 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLfnf7I7xIU

2nd Video: Keir Starmer X - https://x.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1246375395064262656

3rd Video: Keir Starmer: 'I haven't spoken to Jeremy Corbyn for two and half years' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN1hllTBP94&t=26s

4. Nine times Starmer backed Corbyn or mirrored his policies - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/06/13/nine-times-starmer-backed-corbyn-or-mirrored-his-policies/

5. Keir Starmer says Jeremy Corbyn was ‘never a friend’, despite previously saying the opposite - https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/jeremy-corbyn-keir-starmer-islington-friends-colleagues-labour-b1071815.html