Civil war has erupted within the Labour Party as contenders jostle for positions in Andy Burnham's prospective cabinet, with Sir Keir Starmer under pressure to sack a minister amid the leadership transition.
Starmer refuses to sack immigration minister
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood reportedly demanded that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer dismiss immigration minister Mike Tapp after he broke ranks on immigration reform. Tapp had written an article suggesting foreign care workers should be exempt from plans to tighten settlement rules, breaching the ministerial code according to Mahmood. However, Downing Street resisted the demand, and Tapp remained in post as of last night, according to a stand-off reported by sources.
Sir Keir, who announced his own resignation this week, refused to sack the minister. This comes as Andy Burnham, widely seen as Sir Keir's likely successor, is reportedly considering making Ed Miliband his chancellor.
Military barracks to house migrants
In a separate development, almost 4,000 migrants are set to be moved into three more former military bases, including one where Prince William trained as a pilot. The Home Office wants to use MOD Bicester, MOD Barnham, and MOD Linton-on-Ouse to house asylum seekers as ministers try to close hotels. Campaigners in Linton-on-Ouse argued in 2022 that the village was completely unsuitable after former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel drew up plans to relocate 1,500 migrants to the site. The move is expected to spark another furious backlash, as communities continue to bear the brunt of the small boat crisis.
Labour leadership transition
The internal conflict highlights the turmoil within Labour as the party prepares for a change in leadership. Sir Keir's refusal to sack Tapp has created a rift with the Home Secretary, while Burnham's potential appointment of Miliband as chancellor signals a shift in economic policy direction. The developments are being closely watched as the party navigates its future direction.
