Keir Starmer's leadership is under severe threat as senior cabinet ministers reportedly urged him to set a departure timetable, with over 70 Labour MPs publicly calling for his resignation. The prime minister warned that the country would 'never forgive' Labour for plunging into a leadership contest, but his grip on power appears to be slipping.
According to sources, four senior cabinet ministers—Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Defence Secretary John Healey, and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy—spoke to Starmer on Monday. Some advised him to oversee an orderly transition following crushing election defeats, while others discussed a 'responsible, dignified, orderly' approach to what might follow. However, ministers like Richard Hermer and Steve Reed urged him to fight on.
Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds spent the day in Downing Street, conveying backbench sentiment. Allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting publicly called for a swift leadership transition, while supporters of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also published letters demanding Starmer's departure. Labour's ruling national executive committee, which previously blocked Burnham from standing in a byelection, suggested it might take a different course if Starmer's authority is questioned.
Deputy Leader Angela Rayner, whose own leadership hopes are stalled pending resolution of her tax affairs, appeared to back Burnham, arguing that blocking him had been a mistake. Her stock has fallen as Burnham's has risen, with allies suggesting she may no longer seek the top job but could be part of a team.
Starmer survived an immediate threat after potential stalking-horse candidate Catherine West shifted to gathering names for an orderly transition. In a defiant speech, Starmer said he would not resign and would prove his doubters wrong, warning against the chaos of a leadership election. However, with 25% of backbenchers opposing him, his position remains precarious ahead of a crucial cabinet meeting.
