persuade

For Starmer to have a chance of restoring his position with the public he must first, once again, persuade his party that he is the man for the job.

This kept Menzies close to his university friend, the future Labour leader John Smith, who repeatedly tried to persuade him to switch parties.

"I spent so much time trying to persuade publicists, managers and talent to come on the show."

Fans who have made their minds up were given nothing to persuade them to think again.

They see it for now at least as a "desperate gimmick" but do remain open to being persuaded it is a good idea.