In her compelling new book, “Taken As Red”, Anushka Asthana offers a meticulous examination of Keir Starmer’s ascent within the Labour Party, illuminating the calculated decisions that have redefined the political landscape in the UK. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of a bruising Conservative leadership and a dramatic electoral shift, Asthana tackles pivotal questions: Is Starmer the luckiest leader in Labour’s 124-year history? Is he ruthless? And what led Rishi Sunak to call for an election when he did?
Asthana’s narrative dismantles the myth of Starmer as merely a “lucky general.” Instead, she paints him as a strategic operator who has skillfully outmaneuvered his opponents both within Labour and across the political aisle. Following Labour’s devastating defeat in 2019, Starmer positioned himself as a leader ready to reclaim power by repositioning the party away from its Corbynite left, focusing on key voters in marginal constituencies, and capitalizing on the chaos engulfing the Conservative Party.
One of the standout elements in Asthana’s analysis is the composition of Starmer’s inner circle. Historically, Labour’s leadership has often been characterized by its “male, pale, and stale” figures. Starmer’s team, however, breaks that mold, showcasing a diverse array of talent. Central to this team is Morgan McSweeney, alongside key figures like Hollie Ridley, dubbed “Field Marshal Ridley” for her command over the campaign machinery, as well as Vidhya Alakeson and Katie Martin, who managed business outreach and enforced discipline among shadow ministers. This shift in leadership dynamics played a crucial role in shaping Starmer’s success.
Asthana’s exploration of Starmer’s leadership style contrasts sharply with the drama of the Blair-Brown years. His approach is more understated, devoid of backroom deals or grand negotiations. The chapter detailing Starmer’s ruthless streak is particularly illuminating; his immediate dismissal of Jennie Formby, Labour’s general secretary upon taking office, illustrates his intent to overhaul the party. “We won’t,” he told her just 20 minutes after assuming leadership, indicating a clear break from the past and a commitment to eradicate factionalism.
The book also delves into the tumultuous tenure of the three prime ministers who preceded Starmer—Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak—drawing on Asthana’s access to Tory high command. The descriptions of Johnson’s desperate attempts to cling to power and Truss’s hasty decisions reveal the instability within the Conservative Party. Sunak emerges as a more measured figure, yet his cautious nature left him vulnerable in a party increasingly swayed by its right wing.
Asthana provides a thorough account of Sunak’s decision to call the election on July 4, unpacking the data he considered. While he has faced criticism for not waiting until later, Asthana offers a nuanced perspective on the pressures he faced, including fears of escalating crime rates and a tumultuous summer. The delay in polling prior to the election proved costly, as the loss of loyal councilors weakened the party’s grassroots efforts.
“Taken As Red” stands out not just for its detailed reporting but also for its balanced perspective, offering insights into both Labour’s resurgence and the Conservative Party’s decline. Asthana has crafted a thoughtful narrative that resonates with anyone seeking to understand the seismic shifts in UK politics over the past five years. This book is essential reading for those looking to grasp the complexities of contemporary political dynamics and the strategic maneuvers that have reshaped the Labour Party under Keir Starmer’s leadership.
