In the wake of the 2019 disaster, Jeremy Corbyn stepped down, and a leadership contest ensued. Starmer campaigned on a platform of unity, competence, and professionalism. He distanced himself from the more extreme elements that had defined the previous years, instead focusing on the need for Labour to be a government-in-waiting. He promised to restore the party’s reputation for economic responsibility and to reach out to the traditional working-class voters who had abandoned the party. His message resonated with members who were tired of factionalism and hungry for a path back to power.