Will Boris Johnson find it easier to work with Starmer than with Corbyn?

Assuming leadership in the middle of a global pandemic means Starmer will have to plot a different course from his predecessor, writes Lizzy Buchan

Pragmatic Starmer may be more palatable to No 10 (Getty)

In ordinary times, Keir Starmer’s task as the new Labour leader would include laying down how he would take the fight to the government. But becoming leader of the opposition in the middle of a global pandemic means Starmer will have to plot a different course.

Instead of scoring political points at PMQs, Labour has to tread a fine line between holding the government to account and not being seen to undermine the national effort. Former Tory leader William Hague, who knows something about facing a government with a massive majority, has suggested that Boris Johnson should call in the new Labour leader for a briefing on the crisis.

He told The Times: “Really, the leader of the opposition is owed explanations from the government about what they’re doing. But also I think you do want the leader of the opposition to be aware of things you’re trying to do that there’s a good reason why that can’t happen.”