Catherine West, the Labour MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet, has found herself at the centre of a political storm after she announced a challenge against party leader Keir Starmer. Initially labelled a 'stalking horse'—a political term for someone testing the waters on behalf of others—her bid has since been scaled back, leaving many colleagues puzzled.
The Stalking Horse Strategy
West’s move was intended to bounce other Labour MPs into a leadership challenge. However, after a few days, some colleagues likened her to a Grand National competitor that has lost its rider, causing chaos in the race. One MP described her efforts as 'fundamentally unserious,' adding that it had made matters worse. Another admitted, 'I honestly don’t know what she wants. Most people are giving her a wide berth.'
West, a former Foreign Office minister born in Australia, moved to the UK in her early 30s. Her sudden prominence has surprised the public, who were largely unfamiliar with her before this week.
Motivations and Frustrations
Friends say West became increasingly furious as Labour’s poor performance in last week’s elections became clear. She saw many local government colleagues lose their seats, and Labour lost control of Haringey, where her constituency mainly sits, with the Greens becoming the largest party. 'She is terrified at the idea of Reform just walking into Downing Street, and thinks the party needs a street fighter to combat them,' one friend said. 'Keir has many qualities, but he’s not that.'
West announced on Saturday that she would seek nominations from 80 other Labour MPs—the 20% threshold needed to launch a challenge—hoping to smoke out a cabinet minister to act. 'I don’t have a candidate. That’s part of the problem,' she said, suggesting Starmer could be given a different role, such as foreign secretary.
Television Appearance and Reactions
Interviewed on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, West was seated next to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. When the host noted West had urged cabinet ministers to act, West said, 'Well, there’s nothing stopping Bridget from standing. Why are all the men better than all the women?' Phillipson replied, 'I love you dearly, Catherine, but I just disagree on this one.'
Flaws in West’s plan soon emerged. No cabinet ministers stepped forward, and many MPs worried that an accelerated leadership challenge would feel like a stitch-up or a coup. Unions, which traditionally move slowly, also expressed concerns. Supporters of Andy Burnham wanted a more relaxed timetable to allow the Greater Manchester mayor to return to parliament.
Change of Course
On Monday, West changed tack. Instead of demanding an immediate challenge, she announced she would email every Labour MP to ask if they wanted Starmer to set a September deadline to step down. A large list of names would put pressure on him to do so. This perturbed some MPs who had supported her initial push, as it now seems likely Starmer will remain in No 10 for several more months.
West hopes the pressure will force Starmer to agree to go, with a replacement found by the time parliament resumes in early September. For now, the previously little-known MP finds herself in high demand. A friend said, 'She had expected others to come forward quickly, and that after a couple of media interviews it would all die down. Now she seems to be putting in a lot of hard work for other people.'
