Labour MPs are channeling Tory psychodrama as Keir Starmer continues to hide in plain sight, according to political sketch writer John Crace. While some Labour MPs are working out how to remove Starmer, others are already plotting against his potential rivals, including Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham. The situation mirrors the chaos of the Conservative Party, where prime ministers have been ousted with increasing frequency.
Starmer's Leadership Under Fire
Less than two years after winning a 170-seat majority, Starmer finds himself on the verge of being forced to resign, with more than 80 MPs, including several ministers, publicly calling for him to go. Shabana Mahmood and Yvette Cooper have reportedly told him the same in private. Starmer's crime? Being uninspiring and hiding in plain sight, as he always has. He has done a few things well, many things mediocrely, and some things badly.
Local Election Results Spook Labour MPs
Labour MPs have been genuinely spooked by the local election results, fearing that a Reform government could be more dangerous than another Tory administration. Many believe the Keir brand has become so toxic that if he stays in office, Nigel Farage could win the next election. However, Starmer is not minded to go anywhere just yet and still has an ultra-loyalist praetorian guard to defend him.
Darren Jones Handles Media Round
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones was tasked with handling the morning media round, but he appeared unsure of the line he was supposed to take. He insisted that Starmer is listening and talking to colleagues, but did not seem entirely convinced. When asked if Starmer would set out a timetable for his resignation, Jones replied, "I can't get ahead of any decision he might take," which was not a ringing endorsement. Later, he claimed that no one was interested in the fantasy politics of who is up or down in the Labour party, a statement that was widely seen as a lie.
Cabinet Meeting and Ministerial Support
At the weekly cabinet meeting, Starmer said he would not talk about the leadership and would speak to anyone individually afterward, but then refused to do so. Some ministers, however, were happy to chat to reporters outside No 10. Steve Reed, a man without a disloyal bone in his body, declared, "The prime minister has my full support." Peter Kyle emphasized a fascinating discussion about Iran, while Jenny Chapman said Starmer was focused, resilient, and in a good state.
Westminster in Rumour Overdrive
After a period of quiet, Westminster went back into rumour overdrive, with a few ministerial resignations punctuating the silence. TV hacks went crazy with endless speculation, and it seems only a matter of time before they start demanding resignations.
