'I'm a Brit living in the US - here's how Starmer comes across on TV to Americans'

Living in the United States gives you a whole new perspective on British politics. From the outside, the British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is still relatively unknown compared to the larger-than-life figures of recent years like Boris Johnson or even Liz Truss. He's certainly not a headline grabber like US President Donald Trump. Yet when he does appear on American television or in news coverage here, people are starting to take notice - and not always in the way he'd like.

I recently asked a few friends and neighbours what they made of the British Labour leader and their answers were eye-opening. Brad Collins, a retired doctor in his 70s, certainly didn't hold back: "While Keir Starmer presents as intelligent, well-spoken and well-mannered, he does come off as somewhat of a milktoast. He looks like a guy with a soft limp handshake. Not a guy to grab a pint with at the local pub. Also strikes me as a woke left-leaning liberal with no backbone. As I am a moderate, this is not good."

I don't know exactly what a "milktoast" is - but it doesn't sound like a compliment. That sentiment was echoed, in different ways, by Scott Ponoroff, a lawyer in 30s from Louisiana.

Scott told me: "To be honest, he looks a bit boring. I couldn't imagine him leading in a crisis. He doesn't seem like someone with big ideas or a big personality.

"Americans are used to leaders who stand out, even if they're controversial. It seems like the UK is at a crossroads and needs a PM like Churchill who can unite them around a common cause, and Starmer just seems kind of... grey."

Scott went on to say that Starmer comes across as "stiff" and "formal", adding: "He sounds like a lawyer and that comes across more than anything else. It's very stiff, very formal. Here, people want someone who feels relatable.

"He is a guy who is in an impossible situation, trying to keep the Labour Party together in the face of a country that has long since lost confidence in their policies and ability to govern."

The ID controversy has been his big headline over here recently. The digital ID is being pitched as a way to crack down on illegal immigration and stop people from working under the radar.

Some Americans might view it favourably - seeing it as a rare tough stance from a Labour leader. Instead of being framed purely as "big government," it could strike US conservatives as a long-overdue measure to secure jobs and borders.

Starmer has now been in office for over a year, and it's been shaky to say the least. Polling now suggests Starmer is one of the least popular prime ministers in modern times. In one poll, just 13% of people said they were "satisfied" with him, with 79% reporting dissatisfaction.

From my small sample, Americans think he's safe and polite but lacking spark. In a country that prizes personality, that could be the toughest image problem of all.