Why Starmer’s latest U-turn over local elections could be a gift for Reform

Ditching plans to delay votes in 30 English councils gives Nigel Farage chance to capitalise on Labour unpopularity

• Starmer abandons plans to delay local elections in England in latest U-turn

Keir Starmer was challenged on Monday morning over the list of U-turns he has made since entering government less than two years ago, including on cuts to winter fuel payments, cuts to disability benefits and hikes in inheritance tax for farmers.

I am a pragmatist. I am a common-sense merchant," he told the BBC presenter Jeremy Vine in his defence.