Labour MPs Push for Starmer's Exit Amid Multiple Agendas
More than 80 Labour MPs have called for Keir Starmer to stand down, although over 100 have signed a statement backing him as party leader. The growing opposition reveals several distinct agendas within the parliamentary Labour party.
Frustration After Local Elections
Catherine West, former Foreign Office minister, spoke for many MPs reeling from local election results when she dared cabinet ministers to challenge Starmer. After a furious WhatsApp exchange with housing secretary Steve Reed, she went public. Other MPs including Paulette Hamilton, Ruth Jones, Richard Baker, and Alex Ballinger blamed the fact that 'constituents have lost confidence' in Starmer. A former supporter said: 'He clearly did not feel the pain of the local elections results... The lack of empathy.'
Post-Reshuffle Resentment
Some Labour MPs believe colleagues have been biding time to express true feelings about Starmer's reshuffle after Angela Rayner's resignation. 'Talented people were sacked, and Starmer made them feel as though they were the problem,' a senior figure said. West was sacked as Indo-Pacific minister in September's reshuffle. Justin Madders, former employment minister, is a Tribune group member supporting Andy Burnham. Catherine McKinnell, former Send minister, is an ally of Wes Streeting.
Streeting Supporters Seeking Swift Resolution
Some in the PLP believed Streeting was orchestrating a coordinated move. Allies including Chris Curtis, Jas Athwal, and Joe Morris used language about a 'swift' leadership transition. This benefits Streeting, given Burnham is not currently an MP. Three ministers who quit on Tuesday—Alex Davies-Jones, Jess Phillips, and Zubir Ahmed—are seen as close to Streeting, with Ahmed's letter calling for an 'expedient' transition.
Burnham Backers Asking for Orderly Transition
MPs calling for an 'orderly transition' tend to back Burnham or a soft-left contender. Supporters include Paula Barker, Louise Haigh, Clive Lewis, Connor Naismith, and Simon Opher. They believe a longer timeline allows for discussion on future policy and gives Burnham time to win a byelection. Josh Simons, former director of Labour Together, also supported a longer timeline, claiming Starmer had lost the country.
The Socialist Campaign Group
This roughly 30-strong group of 'hard-left' MPs are often painted as 'usual suspects' and were first to call for Starmer to go. They hope for a slower transition to reduce the odds of Streeting, a Blairite, becoming next prime minister.
