More than 100 Labour MPs have signed a statement asserting that this is "no time for a leadership contest," as Prime Minister Keir Starmer told his cabinet he would not step down while a formal leadership challenge had not been triggered.
Background of the Letter
The letter, coordinated by backbenchers, has been signed by 103 MPs, including parliamentary private secretaries. Organisers claim it did not originate from Number 10, though MPs noted it was circulated by government whips. The number of signatories exceeds those who have publicly called for Starmer to resign—over 80 MPs and three ministers who have quit, including influential minister Jess Phillips.
Support and Criticism
Supporters of Starmer argue the letter demonstrates he has the backing of the majority of MPs and the cabinet. However, critics point out that it represents less than half of Labour backbenchers. The letter states: "Last week we had a devastatingly tough set of election results. It shows we have a hard job ahead to win back trust from the electorate. That job needs to start today—with all of us working together to deliver the change the country needs. We must focus on that. This is no time for a leadership contest."
Starmer, in comments that effectively dared Health Secretary Wes Streeting to launch a challenge, told ministers he intended to continue governing and noted that the threshold for a leadership challenge had not been reached.
MPs' Reactions
Backbenchers who signed the letter include Perran Moon, Phil Brickell, Carolyn Harris, Sam Rushworth, Tulip Siddiq, and Allison Gardner. While many MPs have expressed support for Starmer, calls for his resignation have also intensified, highlighting deep divisions within the party.
John Slinger, MP for Rugby, said: "A change of leadership now, or even prolonged speculation about one, will damage UK investor confidence at a moment when we cannot afford it. I’ve been hearing from businesses with operations in Rugby and beyond, and the message is consistent." Kevin Bonovia, MP for Stevenage, agreed with Starmer that the British people want Labour to focus on governing. Juliet Campbell, MP for Broxtowe, added: "The prime minister should focus on getting on with the job to deliver the change the UK needs. We rightly criticised the Tories for plunging this country into chaos time and time again with endless leadership contests. Labour should not do the same."
Coordinator and Credibility
MPs who coordinated the letter said it had no sign-off from Number 10 to enhance its credibility. However, critical MPs described the support as insufficient. One commented: "Only getting 40% of your backbenchers to sign on to the blandest of statements is pathetic. I wasn’t sure where we were headed before, but it’s now clear it’s over. You can only lead if you have the broad support of your party."
Cabinet Support
Cabinet ministers rallied around Starmer publicly after the meeting. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said no one challenged the prime minister during the meeting, and the government should continue its business. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall told reporters: "The prime minister talked about the challenges we faced as a country, the crisis in the Middle East and the impact on the cost of living here. This government will do what we were elected to do, which is serve the British people. The prime minister has my full support in this."
The Guardian understands that four senior cabinet ministers—Defence Secretary John Healey, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy—were among those who spoke to Starmer on Monday. Some advised him to oversee an orderly transition of power after crushing election defeats threatened to end his leadership.
