Keir Starmer’s former chief advisor has suggested that the bureaucracy of Whitehall is impeding the Government’s progress.
Paul Ovenden, the ex-director of strategy at No10, criticized Labour for succumbing to what he termed a “Stakeholder State” that has shifted political influence away from voters and rendered ministers ineffective. He expressed concern that non-governmental organizations, activist lawyers, and celebrity-backed campaigns are wielding excessive sway.
Ovenden highlighted the example of activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah, whose controversial social media posts were exposed following the Prime Minister’s support for his release from imprisonment in Egypt. He noted that the situation became a running joke in No10, illustrating how much time and energy is consumed by individuals fixated on minor issues.
Advocating for a more decisive approach, Ovenden urged the Government to dismantle the current system swiftly to address the changes that citizens are demanding.
In a recent commentary in the Times, Ovenden remarked, “Fattah’s sudden emergence into the public eye has exposed the peculiar nature of Whitehall’s activities.”
He criticized the Stakeholder State’s political stance, which he described as vacillating between accommodating all viewpoints and none at all. Ovenden censured the Conservatives for their contradictory actions, such as advocating for the deportation of Mr. El-Fattah while previously supporting his cause.
Furthermore, Ovenden contended that this bureaucratic environment is hindering governmental progress, including crucial initiatives in housing and infrastructure development.
Describing the Stakeholder State as favoring consultations and reviews over concrete priorities, Ovenden warned of a significant shift of political power away from voters towards well-funded groups with substantial influence, leading to governmental paralysis.
He emphasized the need for a resolute government to swiftly dismantle this system, regain its assertiveness, and demonstrate its ability to address the public’s demands effectively.
Meanwhile, a former strategist from the New Labour era cautioned Keir Starmer about the lack of a robust strategy to counter the growing threat posed by populist parties like Reform UK. Sir Chris Powell, an advertising expert instrumental in Labour’s 1997 election victory, stressed the importance of actively engaging in the media landscape to prevent the rise of such parties.
Powell expressed concern over the potential normalization of Reform UK among disillusioned voters, urging proactive measures to counter their influence and safeguard democratic values.
As pressure mounts on Starmer to chart a new course in anticipation of upcoming local elections, Labour MPs are calling for decisive action to address concerns over the government’s performance in its first year, including controversial policy decisions and internal conflicts.
The Prime Minister is preparing to host an event focused on addressing the cost of living next week, aiming to rebuild trust with both MPs and the public.
Yvette Cooper has initiated a review into lapses in oversight that allowed offensive social media posts by Mr. El-Fattah to go unnoticed. The Foreign Secretary acknowledged the failure of senior officials to address Mr. El-Fattah’s past comments inciting violence, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and accountability procedures.