Glasgow, United Kingdom – The UK's main opposition party is poised for a significant win in the upcoming general election despite facing resignations, selection controversies, and allegations of systemic racism.

After 14 years out of power and four consecutive election defeats, the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, could secure a majority of over 100 seats on July 4, according to some polls.

However, Labour’s path has not been smooth. Just recently, Faiza Shaheen, a left-wing Muslim candidate, announced her deselection by the party's national executive committee (NEC) due to controversial social media activity. Lloyd Russell-Moyle was also deselected over a "politically motivated complaint," he claimed.

Diane Abbott, the UK's first Black female MP, was reinstated to Labour after a suspension for alleged anti-Semitic comments, prompting resignations from seven Labour councillors in Slough who accused the party of "institutional racism." This has led to accusations that Starmer’s leadership is purging the left.

Colm Murphy of Queen Mary University of London highlighted that while Labour's internal disputes are unlikely to affect upcoming elections significantly, they may cause long-term issues. Starmer succeeded Jeremy Corbyn in April 2020, distancing himself from his predecessor known for socialist leanings and alleged anti-Semitism tolerance.

Murphy warns that stringent vetting could backfire, weakening internal support. If Labour faces a tougher political environment in the future, internal grievances might become critical.

Starmer's lukewarm stance on Israel's Gaza campaign has also sparked discontent. The Labour leader's approach has led to multiple resignations and criticism for supposedly steering Labour towards the center-right. Critics like Phil Burton-Cartledge argue this lacks ambition in addressing climate change, child poverty, and NHS issues.

‘I’m really concerned’

Starmer has pledged meaningful changes, such as a “New Deal” for workers and a commitment to clean energy through a new public entity, Great British Energy. Many prominent Conservatives are expected to lose their seats or have already quit, leaving the future of the Conservative opposition unclear.

Historical trends indicate that parties losing power often face prolonged opposition, as Labour did after Thatcher's victory in 1979 and the Conservatives did post-1997. Despite Labour's promising position, skeptics within the left wing question if the party genuinely diverges from current Conservative policies on issues like immigration and Gaza.

Laura Moodie, a Scottish Green Party candidate, expressed concern that a significant Labour victory could embolden a continued rightward shift, an outcome she believes would be detrimental.