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Andrew Murray
Protesters on Whitehall in London, as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivers her spring statement to MPs in the House of Commons, London, March 26, 2025
Britain / 25 November 2025
25 November 2025

Campaigners rally outside Downing Street on the eve of make-or-break Budget

Nick Fuentes, far right activist, holds a rally at the Lansing Capitol, in Lansing, Mich., Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020
Eyes Left / 26 November 2025
26 November 2025

As figures from Tucker Carlson to Nigel Farage flirt with neofascist rhetoric and mainstream leaders edge toward authoritarianism through war and repression, the conditions that once nurtured Hitlerism re-emerge — yet anti-war and anti-imperialist sentiments are also burgeoning anew, writes ANDREW MURRAY

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham attending a Labour for a New Democracy fringe event at the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool, September 28, 2025
Labour Party / 20 November 2025
20 November 2025
The front of the Marx Memorial Library
Britain / 20 November 2025
20 November 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Downing Street, London, November 17, 2025
Britain / 19 November 2025
19 November 2025
Defence Secretary John Healey delivering a speech on how the UK's defence industry is delivering growth and national renewal across the UK, at No 9 Downing Street in central London, November 19, 2025
Military / 19 November 2025
19 November 2025
Richard Burgon at the SEC centre, Glasgow, February 15, 2020
Economy / 19 November 2025
19 November 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer departs 10 Downing Street, London, to attend Prime Minister's Questions at the Houses of Parliament, November 12, 2025
Labour Party / 15 November 2025
15 November 2025

As the PM and his chief of staff’s blunders have mounted up, ANDREW MURRAY wonders who among Labour’s diminished ‘soft left’ might make a bid for the leadership

Prime Minister Keir Starmer departs 10 Downing Street, London, to attend Prime Minister's Questions at the Houses of Parliament, November 12, 2025
Labour Party / 13 November 2025
13 November 2025
Unite the union general secretary Sharon Graham
Economy / 13 November 2025
13 November 2025
GB News presenter Matthew Goodwin speaking at the Reform UK annual conference at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, September 5, 2025
Reform UK / 13 November 2025
13 November 2025
Health Secretary Wes Streeting looks on as Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a speech during a visit to Elective Orthopaedic Centre in Epsom, Surrey, January 6, 2025
Britain / 12 November 2025
12 November 2025
US President Donald Trump during a press conference with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, on day two of the president's second state visit to the UK, September 18, 2025
Britain / 11 November 2025
11 November 2025
Children leaving a school in Leeds, March 2020
The Budget / 11 November 2025
11 November 2025
Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana take part in a discussion on Your Party, their new political party, at The World Transformed conference, at Niamos Radical Arts Centre in Hulme, Manchester. Picture date: Friday October 10, 2025
Eyes Left / 12 November 2025
12 November 2025

While all of good faith on the left should wish the new party well, ANDREW MURRAY pinpoints some of the major challenges it will need to grapple with as it approaches its founding conference later this month

Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair during the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt, October 13, 2025
Neoliberalism / 6 November 2025
6 November 2025
Dick Cheney in Iraq
US Politics / 7 November 2025
7 November 2025

ANDREW MURRAY looks back on the ignominious career of the former US vice-president, who died earlier this week

Former Labour candidate Faiza Shaheen addresses supporters, after the party allegedly blocked her from standing over past posts on social media website X, outside a supermarket in Highams Park, north-west London, May 31, 2024
Parliamentary Politics / 6 November 2025
6 November 2025
Zohran Mamdani speaks after winning the mayoral election in New York, November 4, 2025
Socialism / 5 November 2025
5 November 2025
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers a speech in the media briefing room of 9 Downing Street in central London, ahead of the Budget later this month, November 4, 2025
The Budget / 4 November 2025
4 November 2025
Zarah Sultana speaks during a Palestine Solidarity Campaign rally in Whitehall, central London, October 11, 2025
Parliamentary Politics / 4 November 2025
4 November 2025
Corbs and Sultana
Britain / 30 October 2025
30 October 2025
Chancellor of Exchequer Rachel Reeves during a visit to the Sipsmith Distillery in Chiswick West London, to highlight how the India Free Trade Agreement is supporting British Business. Picture date: Thursday October 9, 2025
Labour Party / 30 October 2025
30 October 2025
First Minister John Swinney and Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth during a meeting at Bute House in Edinburgh. The meeting will provide the opportunity to discuss shared areas of interest including the cost of living crisis, the forthcoming UK Government Budget and the relationship between Scotland and Wales, October 30, 2025
Parliamentary Politics / 30 October 2025
30 October 2025
Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana take part in a discussion on Your Party, their new political party, at The World Transformed conference, at Niamos Radical Arts Centre in Hulme, Manchester. Picture date: Friday October 10, 2025
Parliamentary Politics / 29 October 2025
29 October 2025
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves during a visit to Studio Ulster in Belfast, August 12, 2025
Britain / 28 October 2025
28 October 2025

by Andrew Murray 
Political reporter

Farage
Britain / 28 October 2025
28 October 2025
Waiting for news after the Senghenydd pit disaster
Eyes Left / 28 October 2025
28 October 2025

With the last bricks of the red wall crumbling in the Caerphilly by-election, Starmer and co cannot count on the spectre of Farageism translating into votes for them come the next general election, argues ANDREW MURRAY

RARE RED ARTEFACTS: Germinal number 2, 1924, edited by Sylvia Pankhurst, sold by Left on the Shelf
Features / 25 October 2025
25 October 2025

The nation’s leading second-hand socialist bookseller that has been running strong for 33 years is changing hands and expanding its vision — now is the time to get involved, buy, donate and support, writes ANDREW MURRAY

Transport / 16 October 2025
16 October 2025
Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC speaking at the TUC congress at the ACC Liverpool. Picture date: Monday September 11, 2023
Wealth Tax / 16 October 2025
16 October 2025
Chancellor of Exchequer Rachel Reeves during a visit to the Sipsmith Distillery in Chiswick West London, October 9, 2025
Economy / 15 October 2025
15 October 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer departs 10 Downing Street, London, to attend Prime Minister's Questions at the Houses of Parliament, October 15, 2025
Britain / 15 October 2025
15 October 2025
Britain / 15 October 2025
15 October 2025
SACRED SHROUDS: Thatcher’s old dresses on display at this year’s limp Tory conference, Manchester, October 5
Eyes Left / 15 October 2025
15 October 2025

The Tory conference was a pseudo-sacred affair, with devotees paying homage in front of Thatcher’s old shrouds — and your reporter, initially barred, only need mention he’d once met her to gain access. But would she consider what was on offer a worthy legacy, asks ANDREW MURRAY

Sir Keir Starmer speaks to local members and activists about his vision for the future of the Labour party, as he formally launches his campaign to become the next party leader at the Mechanics Institute in Manchester, January 11, 2020
Labour Party / 14 October 2025
14 October 2025
Green Party leader Zack Polanski speaking during the Green Party conference at Bournemouth International Centre, October 3, 2025
Parliamentary Politics / 14 October 2025
14 October 2025
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (left) is greeted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, India, October 9, 2025
Britain / 9 October 2025
9 October 2025
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party Conference at the Manchester Central Convention Complex, October 8, 2025
The Tories / 8 October 2025
8 October 2025
Robert Jenrick holds a judge's wig at the Conservative Party Conference, October 7, 2025. Photo: Neil Terry Photography
Tory Party / 7 October 2025
7 October 2025
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts to the speech by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the Labour Party conference, September 30, 2025
Politics / 7 October 2025
7 October 2025
Empty seats in the auditorium as shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride makes a speech during the Conservative Party Conference at the Manchester Central Convention Complex, October 6, 2025
Tory Party / 6 October 2025
6 October 2025
People wave flags as Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers his keynote speech during the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool, September 30, 2025
Britain / 2 October 2025
2 October 2025
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts to the speech by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the Labour Party conference, during a photocall at the Reform UK headquarters in Westminster, London, September 30, 2025
Reform UK / 2 October 2025
2 October 2025
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch giving interviews to the media after a speech at the Institute of Chartered Accountants' Hall, central London, September 9, 2025
Climate / 2 October 2025
2 October 2025
Labour deputy leadership candidate Lucy Powell at the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday September 27, 2025
Labour Party Conference 2025 / 1 October 2025
1 October 2025
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband addresses delegates at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, October 1, 2025
Labour Party Conference 2025 / 1 October 2025
1 October 2025
People wave flags as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivers his keynote speech during the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday September 30, 2025
Labour Party Conference 2025 / 30 September 2025
30 September 2025
Health Secretary Wes Streeting during the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool, September 30, 2025
Labour Party Conference 2025 / 30 September 2025
30 September 2025
Unite the Kingdom
Fascism / 1 October 2025
1 October 2025

The far right feels comfortable openly saying the most racist, extreme things imaginable and harassing left events in ways unseen in living memory — we desperately need an anti-fascist Labour Party to replace the current appeasement regime, writes ANDREW MURRAY

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood during the first meeting for the reshuffled Cabinet in Downing Street, London, September 9, 2025
Labour Party Conference 2025 / 29 September 2025
29 September 2025
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves makes a speech during the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool. Picture date: Monday September 29, 2025.
Labour Party Conference 2025 / 29 September 2025
29 September 2025
Defence Secretary John Healey speaking during the Labour Party Conference at the Liverpool Arena, September 29, 2025
Labour Party Conference 2025 / 29 September 2025
29 September 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool, September 28, 2025
Labour Conference 2025 / 28 September 2025
28 September 2025

Rocky start to conference with protests and plummeting polls

John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington speaks at a anti-racism rally and march in central London orgainised by Stand Up To Racism and trade unions, March 16, 2024
Labour Party / 28 September 2025
28 September 2025
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, May 14, 2025
Labour Party / 25 September 2025
25 September 2025
Former Labour leader and Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn addresses campaigners from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign taking part in a protest outside Downing Street, London, to oppose the upcoming visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, September 9, 2025
Politics / 25 September 2025
25 September 2025
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan at the launch of the Holiday Hope programme, July 24, 2025
Britain / 24 September 2025
24 September 2025
Former Labour leader and Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn joins workers on the picket line at the Village Hotel in Glasgow who have been on a month-long strike over pay and conditions, August 22, 2025
Politics / 24 September 2025
24 September 2025
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage during an appearance on LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast show, at the Global Studios in London, September 24, 2025
Reform UK / 24 September 2025
24 September 2025
Former Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn M.P. (left) and Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South on the picket line outside London Euston train station, August 18, 2022
Politics / 23 September 2025
23 September 2025
Zarah Sultana Your Party south west London September 11 2025 .jpg
Features / 20 September 2025
20 September 2025

ANDREW MURRAY breaks down this week’s rift in the new left party that was at one point polling at 15 per cent of the vote without even having formed — whether it will form now has been thrown into a pit of doubt

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump during a bilateral meeting at Chequers, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, on day two of the president's second state visit to the UK, September 18, 2025
Britain / 18 September 2025
18 September 2025
Jeremy Corbyn (second left) and Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South (second right) on the picket line outside London Euston train station, August 18, 2022
Politics / 18 September 2025
18 September 2025
Stop Trump Coalition campaigners take part in a protest march from Portland Place to Parliament Square in London, on day one of the US President's second state visit to the UK, September 17, 2025
Britain / 17 September 2025
17 September 2025

Thousands march in London to tell Trump he is not welcome

Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell speaking during the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, September 22, 2024
Labour Party / 17 September 2025
17 September 2025
Jeremy Corbyn (second left) and Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South (second right) on the picket line outside London Euston train station, August 18, 2022
Politics / 16 September 2025
16 September 2025
A Stop Trump Scotland protest outside the US Consulate in Edinburgh, during President Donald Trump's five-day private trip to the country, September 16, 2025
Britain / 17 September 2025
17 September 2025
DECISIVE RESPONSE: Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) activists block the way of the Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom march on Whitehall in central London on September 13 2025.
Eyes Left / 17 September 2025
17 September 2025

ANDREW MURRAY wonders what the great communist foe of Oswald Mosley would make of today’s far-right surge, warning that while the triumph of Farage and ‘Robinson’ is far from inevitable, placing any faith in Starmer in an anti-fascist front is a fool’s errand 

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson leaves 10 Downing Street, London, after a Cabinet meeting, September 2, 2025
Labour Party / 11 September 2025
11 September 2025
UK Ambassador to the US, Lord Peter Mandelson arrives at the Cabinet Office in central London, June 18, 2025
Labour Party / 10 September 2025
10 September 2025
Labour MP for Stretham Bell Ribeiro-Addy speaks at a rally outside Kings Cross Station, London, November 30, 2022
Labour Party / 9 September 2025
9 September 2025
MUSICAL CHAIR AT No 10: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addresses the reshuffled Cabinet on September 9 2025
Eyes Left / 10 September 2025
10 September 2025

A ‘new phase’ for Starmerism is fairly similar to the old phase – only worse. ANDREW MURRAY takes a look

Labour Party / 4 September 2025
4 September 2025
Angela Rayner, July 3, 2025
Labour Party / 4 September 2025
4 September 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer departs 10 Downing Street, London, to attend Prime Minister's Questions at the Houses of Parliament, September 3, 2025
Britain / 3 September 2025
3 September 2025
Liz Truss during the Conservative Party Conference at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham, September 30, 2024
Britain / 3 September 2025
3 September 2025