Angela Rayner has called the decision to block Andy Burnham from returning to parliament a mistake, as pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer intensifies following Thursday's local elections. In a statement, the former deputy prime minister said Starmer “must now meet the moment” and set out a change in direction.
Rayner warned that “what we are doing isn’t working, and it needs to change. This may be our last chance.” She called for bringing “our best players into Parliament” and embracing a local-level agenda, while criticising “a toxic culture of cronyism” over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
Backbencher Catherine West has issued an ultimatum, threatening to challenge Starmer for the leadership on Monday if he does not set out a timetable to resign. Allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting have indicated he is prepared to run if Starmer’s premiership collapses, but will not make the first move.
Around 40 Labour MPs have already called on Starmer to step down or outline an exit plan. Starmer is expected to deliver a key speech on Monday to try to shore up support, though allies acknowledge he must give “the speech of his political life” to keep MPs on board.
Many Labour MPs are anxious about the chaos a leadership contest could unleash, with some arguing that any change should come closer to the next general election. Rayner also criticised Nigel Farage over a £5m gift from a crypto billionaire, saying Labour must tackle “dodgy money in our politics.”
