Union Chief Demands Leadership Change as Labour Faces Internal Crisis
The head of a Labour-affiliated union has publicly called for Angela Rayner to replace Keir Starmer as party leader, issuing a stark warning that Starmer risks leading Labour into a devastating election defeat against Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), made the unprecedented demand in an exclusive interview, becoming the first union leader to openly advocate for Rayner to oust the current prime minister.
Pressure Mounts on Starmer After Difficult Week
Eslamdoust's intervention comes at the end of Starmer's most challenging week in office, during which he lost his chief of staff and communications director while facing public denouncement from the Labour leader in Scotland. The TSSA leader stated she wants Rayner to take charge following this month's Gorton and Denton byelection, which she expects Labour to lose.
"I think it's time that the Labour party had a woman leader," Eslamdoust declared. "The Tories have had three women prime ministers and four leaders and we've had none. I think Angela Rayner is a credible figure." She criticized female Labour MPs who have called for a woman deputy leader without supporting Rayner's leadership bid, saying they need to "put their money where their mouth is."
Rayner's Response and Party Unity Efforts
A spokesperson for Angela Rayner responded firmly to the leadership speculation, stating: "There is no contest and no vacancy. Angela has been clear Labour must come together, avoid distraction and work as a team to deliver for the public." Despite this, Rayner applied additional pressure on Starmer by calling for reduced taxes on the hospitality industry during an event in Liverpool, highlighting the sector's struggles with business rates, energy bills, and supply chain costs.
Starmer attempted to restore unity within his fractured party after securing cabinet backing on Monday. The prime minister faced particular concern when Anas Sarwar, who aims to become Scottish first minister in May's elections, declared he had no confidence in Starmer's leadership. Downing Street officials feared this could trigger widespread rebellion but were relieved when key Labour figures including Rayner publicly reaffirmed their support.
Growing Leadership Challenge Speculation
Many within the Labour party believe Starmer will face a leadership challenge in the near future, potentially following the upcoming byelection or May's local elections. Several allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting have indicated they expect him to challenge Starmer after the local elections, though Streeting has denied any such plans.
Eslamdoust originally called for Starmer's resignation on Monday, joining Fire Brigades Union head Steve Wright as one of only two Labour-affiliated general secretaries to publicly advocate for leadership change. The TSSA, which donated approximately £30,000 to Labour last year, represents one of the smaller unions among the eleven affiliated with the party.
Policy Divisions and Union Support Battle
Eslamdoust, who previously advised former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, expressed her desire for Rayner to shift the party leftward with stronger worker protections and nationalization of rail, water, and energy industries. Her endorsement of Rayner initiates what promises to be a competitive struggle between Rayner and Streeting to secure broader union backing.
While Rayner has garnered significant union support through her employment rights agenda, she has simultaneously angered Unite, one of Britain's largest unions, with her opposition to the Birmingham bin strikes. This tension highlights the complex balancing act facing any potential Labour leadership candidate seeking union approval.
A Downing Street spokesperson defended Starmer's position, noting: "Keir Starmer is one of only four Labour leaders ever to have won a general election. He has a clear five-year mandate from the British people to deliver change and that is what he will do." Despite this official confidence, Eslamdoust's public intervention signals deepening fractures within Labour's traditional union support base as the party navigates one of its most turbulent periods in recent history.
