Tom Hamilton

Tom Hamilton was head of research for the Labour Party and a senior adviser to former deputy leader Tom Watson. He is co-author of Punch and Judy Politics: An Insider’s Guide to Prime Minister’s Questions (Biteback)

Neither Left nor Right can accept that Starmer’s impressive focus and strategic sense is responsible for transforming Labour’s prospects

Are the Tories losing their bite?

Sir Keir Starmer’s low-key approach may yet pay dividends. He has cleaned up his party and faces a tired government — but he must now seize his opportunity

Labour would certainly not win a general election if it were held tomorrow; but they are heading in the right direction

The next Labour leader will start with the opposite of a blank sheet: an overstuffed, losing manifesto