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The torment of the world of governance. Observe that ministerial team: each person is facing near impossible portfolios devoid of the tools to do what they know is needed.

The legacy they received was more disastrous than feared: they were handed explosive situations, misleading obstacles and gaping holes. Brexit is emerging as more financially damaging than expected, now losing the exchequer £80bn a year.

The Challenges Accumulating

They face unfortunate circumstances: the Trump destroyer arrived during their watch. What more unfortunate incident than a jail staff member freeing a rejected refugee sexual predator? Migrant crossings feel unstoppable.

A poorly timed deputy leadership election currently was bound to give the Labour leader a bruising. The 11% vote share at the Welsh assembly byelection might not even be their worst performance.

They expect criticism, but they're only human. Typically, the Health Secretary courageously expresses what everyone observes: 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".

Voter Perception Puzzles

Yet, even so, the present hostile state of public opinion is confusing and concerning. Keir Starmer is the most unpopular prime minister in history. Actually?

He is a honorable, committed person of good intentions, devoid of unwarranted superiority or vanity. Compare that with the Conservative leader, Liz Truss, or the breezy presumption of the former Conservative leader, all with so little to justify conceited self-confidence.

Governing Difficulties

But, say the people, the current PM is poorer. As the nation's leader, he's short on personal magnetism, they say: more seriously, he lacks governing flexibility, creative thinking or understanding of changing opinions.

The party erred regarding reductions to retirees and individuals with special needs, unbalanced by spending increases in other areas. Unsure which demographic to target, the government has allowed positive initiatives unpromoted, from working rights to environmental funding, urban development and training opportunities for the next generation.

Electoral Approach

An excessive number of close advisers still think conservative-leaning voters demands attention, when nearly double the number of citizens have leaned liberal since the government formed. Survey specialist John Curtice warns them to stop chasing Farage supporters: they've gone.

Keir Starmer is underperforming; there's no denying it when surveys indicate no leader could bounce back from these unplumbed depths.

Yet, during the uncharted waters of significant fluctuation, past experience might not apply. The Prime Minister rescued Labour from the period following Corbyn slough of despond that political analysts claimed couldn't be reversed in one term.

Potential Scenarios

Could another leader perform more effectively, or have we reached an almost impossible to govern, constantly dissatisfied electorate? Any government may be dismissed equally quickly after taking office, regardless of electoral margin, except if it comes with immediate solutions providing significant resources for underfunded government departments and financially strained households.

Predictably, panic on the back benches will make conversation regarding new leadership commonplace if May's elections go according to negative projections – or, some suggest, earlier.

The Way Forward

This represents the government's dilemma: Labour's only hope lies in despair. Prepare for being defeated regardless, so employ their parliamentary advantage for the remainder of the term to implement their genuine left-leaning values: implement substantial tax changes, increasing government income.

Anticipate defeat subsequent votes, so implement all policies immediately. Disregard popularity ratings and voter research; enable the public to witness genuine commitment. The only way to rebuild credibility is to execute clearly what they consider most correct and reasonable.

• Public trust has become essential to save the country from crisis
• The obvious message from Caerphilly showed the powerful "stop Reform" movement
• A substantial majority of an exceptional turnout rallying to keep Faragists out
• Such strategy demands coordinated ballot choices for the likeliest anti-Farage candidate

The Chancellor appropriately labels Reform "the primary risk" to our way of life. As the Tories virtually merge with Reform, an electoral pact of certain type approaches.

The government's responsibility is to do whatever it takes to prevent it. Anticipate alliances, stay suitable for like-minded parties when political labels becomes secondary to the deep red line against a governance risk unknown in our lifetime.

This represents a mission to overcome hopelessness.