Fraser King
@drfraserking.bsky.social
Writer, editor, obsessive
Labour will not have a better opportunity to change the leadership and avoid the suggestion of ambition or desperation. There are short-term political costs, but longer-term benefits to a shift in direction.
February 5, 2026 at 10:39 AM
Labour will not have a better opportunity to change the leadership and avoid the suggestion of ambition or desperation. There are short-term political costs, but longer-term benefits to a shift in direction.
Unusual use of language by Sultana...
February 4, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Unusual use of language by Sultana...
If Labour MPs are serious about removing Starmer, this would be the ideal time to do it... #Starmer #Mandelson
February 4, 2026 at 1:54 PM
If Labour MPs are serious about removing Starmer, this would be the ideal time to do it... #Starmer #Mandelson
The problem is that Mandelson was a known exception with a track record of malfeasance. Starmer appointed him because he preferred his political skills (sic) to those of a career diplomat. It was his call...
"I absolutely believe that Peter Mandelson is the exception, not the rule"
Labour peer Harriet Harman discusses the investigation into Lord Mandelson's alleged misconduct in public office and its impact on the public's perception of politicians.
#Newsnight
Labour peer Harriet Harman discusses the investigation into Lord Mandelson's alleged misconduct in public office and its impact on the public's perception of politicians.
#Newsnight
February 4, 2026 at 1:43 PM
The problem is that Mandelson was a known exception with a track record of malfeasance. Starmer appointed him because he preferred his political skills (sic) to those of a career diplomat. It was his call...
Sometimes, you look at the news, look at the world insofar as you can, realise you have no control over anything, and just think 'fuck it', I really don't want to be a part of it.
February 1, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Sometimes, you look at the news, look at the world insofar as you can, realise you have no control over anything, and just think 'fuck it', I really don't want to be a part of it.
Why does Starmer not grasp basic semiotics...
January 31, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Why does Starmer not grasp basic semiotics...
Nobody should be surprised. It isn't much of leap for Goodwin to occupy the same political space as far right fanatics...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Labour accuses Reform candidate of ‘toxic politics’ after Tommy Robinson endorsement
Far-right activist tells X followers to vote for Reform’s Gorton and Denton candidate, Matthew Goodwin
www.theguardian.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Nobody should be surprised. It isn't much of leap for Goodwin to occupy the same political space as far right fanatics...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
This deftly sums up Starmer's approach to politics - he doesn't think he needs one.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
From the Burnham row to the China visit, avoiding hard choices is the Starmer doctrine | Rafael Behr
Whether at home or abroad, the pattern of ducking difficult arguments and calling it pragmatism is the same, says Guardian columnist Rafael Behr
www.theguardian.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:51 PM
This deftly sums up Starmer's approach to politics - he doesn't think he needs one.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
What is it about basic politics that this government does not get? Do they not talk to each other?
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Government row breaks out over plan to cut spending for PE in England’s schools
Proposed cuts by DHSC and DfE came despite concerns about inactivity among children contributing to obesity
www.theguardian.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:05 PM
What is it about basic politics that this government does not get? Do they not talk to each other?
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
I suspect the cinema going public would rather eat nails than watch this...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Melania documentary struggles in UK cinemas as Vue admits sales are ‘soft’
One ticket sold for premiere of film about US first lady at Vue’s flagship London branch as insiders question launch strategy
www.theguardian.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:45 PM
I suspect the cinema going public would rather eat nails than watch this...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Although a no-win situation for Starmer, it does rather amplify his weakness. And, more likely to highlight division than not.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Labour row erupts after Andy Burnham blocked from byelection race
Allies of Greater Manchester mayor say No 10 has ‘chosen factionalism’ as decision leads to a furious backlash
www.theguardian.com
January 25, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Although a no-win situation for Starmer, it does rather amplify his weakness. And, more likely to highlight division than not.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Fraser King
genuinely stunning image
January 24, 2026 at 1:37 AM
genuinely stunning image
This....
Democrats are campaigning as if the 2026 election will be fair. That’s a mistake | Austin Sarat www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Democrats are campaigning as if the 2026 election will be fair. That’s a mistake | Austin Sarat www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Democrats are campaigning as if the 2026 election will be fair. That’s a mistake | Austin Sarat
Trump’s remarks and Project 2025’s proposals have made the plan clear. Democrats must focus on stopping it
www.theguardian.com
January 24, 2026 at 4:30 PM
This....
Democrats are campaigning as if the 2026 election will be fair. That’s a mistake | Austin Sarat www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Democrats are campaigning as if the 2026 election will be fair. That’s a mistake | Austin Sarat www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Can Starmer block Burnham, without looking incontrovertibly weak? #Gwynne #by-election
January 22, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Can Starmer block Burnham, without looking incontrovertibly weak? #Gwynne #by-election
Are there any limits to Mark Rutte's pandering to Trump?
January 22, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Are there any limits to Mark Rutte's pandering to Trump?
It's quite a sight when Trump goes off piste... utterly lost in his own maniacal mind... #TrumpDavos
January 21, 2026 at 2:50 PM
It's quite a sight when Trump goes off piste... utterly lost in his own maniacal mind... #TrumpDavos
Trump is quite evidently psychotic... This is painful to listen to, unbelievable levels of delusion. #Trump #Davos #Greenland
January 21, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Trump is quite evidently psychotic... This is painful to listen to, unbelievable levels of delusion. #Trump #Davos #Greenland
Trump actually believes this stuff... It's like listening to a someone ramble in a psychiatric hospital...
January 21, 2026 at 1:58 PM
Trump actually believes this stuff... It's like listening to a someone ramble in a psychiatric hospital...
Let's see who applauds...
January 21, 2026 at 1:52 PM
Let's see who applauds...
Starmer appears to have little clue what he is dealing with and certainly has no backbone. Adrift from reality, he can't grasp that the geopolitical landscape has fundamentally shifted in ways that don't compute with his technocratic playbook. Utterly hopeless.
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
Starmer calls for ‘calm discussion’ on Greenland and plays down chance of retaliatory tariffs on US – UK politics live
PM speaks to reporters amid crisis over the territory and Trump’s tariff threats to those who oppose him
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 10:38 AM
Starmer appears to have little clue what he is dealing with and certainly has no backbone. Adrift from reality, he can't grasp that the geopolitical landscape has fundamentally shifted in ways that don't compute with his technocratic playbook. Utterly hopeless.
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
Why? Calm diplomacy is one thing, appeasement is quite another. When will the political class realise that Trump is clearly not an ally. Neither now, nor in the future.
January 18, 2026 at 9:59 AM
Why? Calm diplomacy is one thing, appeasement is quite another. When will the political class realise that Trump is clearly not an ally. Neither now, nor in the future.
When global norms are disappearing, and presidential behaviour is unpredictable and deadly, naivety is easier to spot. Peter Jenkins never fails to deliver the latter.
January 17, 2026 at 1:02 PM
When global norms are disappearing, and presidential behaviour is unpredictable and deadly, naivety is easier to spot. Peter Jenkins never fails to deliver the latter.