It would be difficult to imagine a more promising start for Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader. In his very first speech he apologised and pledged to root out his party’s antisemitism

But as he writes in his JC article this week, actions matter more than words. The actions he has now promised are entirely the right moves — such as an independent complaints process and antisemitism training for Labour staff.

As one communal source put it, he has already done more in four and a half days than Jeremy Corbyn did in four and a half years.

That is hardly surprising; Sir Keir is a decent man while Mr Corbyn was described by Dame Margaret Hodge as a racist antisemite.

There remains criticism of Sir Keir's time in the Shadow Cabinet when others more honourably refused to serve.

But Sir Keir can do no more now than implement the serious and swift measures needed to deal with what he rightly calls a stain on Labour.

In that context, his next move should be to remove its feckless general secretary Jennie Formby — along with her acolytes. And the retention of Andy McDonald in the Shadow Cabinet jars.

The coronavirus crisis has plainly upended politics and demands much of Sir Keir’s attention. But the need for him to return Labour to decency is no less pressing for that.

He has made a good start and appears to be sincere in his words. He has earned the right to be taken seriously.