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What hell is the political life. Observe that government frontbench: all members is grappling with exceptionally challenging portfolios without the means to do what they recognize is needed.

What they were handed was more disastrous than feared: they were left with traps, misleading obstacles and enormous voids. Brexit is emerging as even more economically crippling than foreseen, resulting in the loss of the exchequer £80bn each year.

The Obstacles Accumulating

They are blighted by poor fortune: the Trump presidency coincided with their watch. What greater disaster than a corrections official freeing a denied migrant sexual predator? Channel migrants feel relentless.

An unfortunate leadership contest at this moment was bound to give Keir Starmer a bruising. The 11% vote share at the Welsh assembly special election might not even be their lowest point.

They expect hostility, but they are human. As often, the Labour MP dares say what all can see: that there is "deep disillusionment in this country at the moment" and "a growing sense of despair about whether anyone is capable of turning this country round".

Popular Sentiment Baffles

However, despite this, the present hostile state of popular sentiment is perplexing and alarming. The Labour leader is the most unpopular prime minister ever. Actually?

He represents a decent, serious man of positive aims, devoid of unwarranted superiority or vanity. Contrast this with Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, or the breezy presumption of the ex-Prime Minister, each achieving minimal to explain their overconfidence.

Leadership Challenges

But, say the people, Starmer is worse. In his leadership role, he's short on personal magnetism, observers note: more importantly, he lacks policy adaptability, ingenuity or instinct for public sentiment.

Labour blundered regarding reductions to retirees and individuals with special needs, offset by expanded benefits in different sectors. Unclear about their core constituency, ministers have permitted beneficial programs unpromoted, covering labor rights to environmental funding, housing projects and a youth guarantee.

Governing Philosophy

An excessive number of senior advisors continue to believe conservative-leaning voters demands attention, when almost twice as many voters have moved leftwards since Labour took office. Polling guru the polling authority warns them to cease pursuing populist constituency: they've gone.

The Prime Minister is failing; the evidence is clear when pollsters suggest no politician would recover from such unprecedented lows.

But in unknown circumstances of remarkable instability, history may be no guide. Starmer pulled Labour from a post-Jeremy Corbyn slough of despond that political analysts claimed couldn't be reversed in four years.

Potential Scenarios

Might a different politician do better, or are we experiencing a near-ungovernable, constantly dissatisfied electorate? Any government may be opposed with similar speed following election, regardless of electoral margin, unless it arrives bearing quick fixes providing significant resources for underfunded government departments and empty private purses.

Unsurprisingly, concern within the parliamentary party will make talk of leadership change widespread if May's elections go as poorly as forecast – or, various commentators argue, before that.

The Way Forward

Here's ministers' paradox: Labour's only hope resides in hopelessness. Accept they might be wiped out whatever, so use this massive majority for the full parliament to implement their genuine progressive principles: implement substantial tax changes, increasing government income.

Anticipate defeat the next election, so take decisive action currently. Disregard popularity ratings and voter research; enable the public to witness sincerity in their purpose. The only way to restore some respect is to do transparently what they think most just and equitable.

• This credibility has become crucial to rescue the country from crisis
• The bright light from Caerphilly showed the strong "stop Reform" movement
• A substantial majority of an exceptional turnout uniting to prevent Reform success
• That requires coordinated ballot choices for the most viable opposition candidate

Rachel Reeves correctly describes Reform "the primary risk" to national identity. While Conservatives largely align with Reform, a political alliance of certain type threatens.

The government's responsibility is to do whatever it takes to block this outcome. Plan for partnerships, be acceptable to allied groups when political labels is overshadowed by the deep red line against an electoral threat unprecedented in modern history.

This represents a mission to overcome hopelessness.