LABOUR IN CRISIS?: LEWIS GOODALL TO FRONT KEIR STARMER DOCUMENTARY FOR CHANNEL 4

Channel 4 has commissioned Keir Starmer: Labour in Crisis? Dispatches W/T a new 1x60 documentary examining the dramatic collapse in political support for Prime Minister Keir Starmer. After winning the biggest landslide in UK election history less than two years ago, how did Keir Starmer become the most unpopular prime minister on record? 

The film is produced by ITN Productions and presented by political journalist and co-host of The News Agents, Lewis Goodall, who assesses the origins of the Labour meltdown, from party infighting to policy u-turns, from the Mandelson-Epstein scandal to high profile ministerial resignations and a by-election which saw Labour come third. Could defying Trump on Iran save Starmer’s premiership or lead to more trouble for Number 10?

Goodall speaks to politicians, advisors, pollsters and journalists, following the unfolding story as the police make arrests, the Opposition closes in, and war in the Middle East intensifies the pressure on a government in crisis. 

The film will also examine the government’s argument that it remains focused on stabilising the economy, reducing NHS waiting lists and tackling illegal immigration, while asking whether those priorities will be enough to restore public confidence and counter the growing political challenge from Reform UK.

Blending political analysis with first-hand testimony from key figures, the programme aims to provide a timely account of one of the most turbulent periods in recent British politics.

Louisa Compton, Head of News and Current Affairs and Specialist Factual and Sport at Channel 4, said: “Politics in Britain has rarely moved faster or felt more volatile than it does right now. This film asks a simple but urgent question: how did a government elected with such a commanding mandate find itself in such profound difficulty so quickly? With Lewis Goodall’s forensic reporting and access to voices across the political spectrum, this documentary will explore the decisions, personalities and pressures that have shaped this extraordinary period in British politics.”

Nicola Addyman from ITN Productions, said:  “Our aim with this film was to go beyond the daily headlines and understand how this political crisis developed. Working with Lewis Goodall, we’ve spoken to figures from across the political spectrum to build a detailed picture of the choices, in both domestic and foreign policy, that have brought British politics to this point.”

The programme was commissioned by Louisa Compton, Head of News and Current Affairs and Specialist Factual and Sport at Channel 4, and overseen by Adam Vandermark, Commissioning Editor, News and Current Affairs. 

Produced by ITN Productions for Channel 4. The executive producers are Nicola Addyman and Jeremy Daldry, the director is Mark Alden, the production manager is Eadie Sharp. Post-production is in-house at ITN Post.