A growing number of Labour MPs are urging Keir Starmer to step down amid increasing pressure on the party leader. Despite Starmer’s recent speech promising improvement, some backbenchers remain skeptical. The Prime Minister is facing a tough challenge to regain the support of his MPs while attempts are made to quell the threat of a rebellion.
Following Starmer’s speech, former Foreign Office minister Catherine West called on fellow MPs to join her in calling for Starmer’s resignation, criticizing his pledges as insufficient and belated. High-profile figures within No10, such as former Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons and Chris Curtis from the Labour Growth Group, have also voiced concerns about Starmer’s leadership, with Simons urging Starmer to outline a timeline for stepping down.
Additional calls for change have come from long-serving MP Clive Betts and former Cabinet member Louise Haigh, who have indicated that Starmer’s position may become untenable if improvements are not made. Labour heavyweight Debbie Abrahams has set a deadline for Starmer to demonstrate progress by the year’s end.
Speculation is rife about potential leadership challengers, particularly Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting, who are seen as potential contenders. Streeting reportedly has contingency plans in place but is not currently planning a direct challenge to Starmer. Any challenger would need the support of at least 81 Labour MPs to mount a credible bid.
Despite hopes for the return of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to Parliament, Business Secretary Peter Kyle has signaled that the government will resist any attempt by Burnham to stand in a by-election.
