The budget, immigration, Trump’s visit: the tests lying in wait for Keir Starmer

There is no shortage of challenges for the PM as MPs head back to Westminster and he tries to get on the front foot

As Keir Starmer returns from his summer break in Europe, and Labour MPs head back to Westminster for the new parliamentary session, the government will be hoping to get on the front foot after a tumultuous few months.

The recess has given ministers time to think, and to plan, but also the chance to study the polls. This week, YouGov put Labour on just 20% – the lowest level in more than five years – and eight points behind Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.