Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid and Ed Balls delivered breaking news on Wednesday, revealing that 11 unions affiliated with the Labour Party have called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down. The announcement came during the ITV programme as the presenters shared a joint statement from the unions.
Breaking News on Starmer's Future
Returning from an advert break, Susanna Reid told viewers: "So, breaking news in the last few minutes, 11 unions affiliated with the Labour Party issue a statement saying, in their words, 'it is clear the Prime Minister will not lead Labour into the next general election and a plan will have to be put in place for the election of a new leader of the Labour party.'"
Ed Balls added that the statement followed Wes Streeting being seen entering Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, King Charles was preparing to deliver the King's Speech, outlining the government's legislative agenda.
Ministerial Resignations and Pressure
The presenters spoke to Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office. Ed Balls noted: "90 MPs saying the Prime Minister needs to stand down now, four ministerial resignations, council leaders are saying he has to go. Now all the Labour-affiliated trade unions are saying Keir Starmer can't be the leader at the next general election, isn't the writing on the wall for Keir Starmer? And it's just a question of when he announces he's standing down?"
Thomas-Symonds replied that he had not seen the TULO statements but acknowledged one had been released. As Ed reiterated the statement, Susanna interrupted to show Wes Streeting leaving Downing Street after only 10 minutes.
Speculation Over Streeting's Meeting
Susanna questioned whether the meeting had taken place or was cut short. Thomas-Symonds commented: "The Prime Minister said yesterday, as he always does, that if any cabinet ministers have concerns or just want to have a quick chat over coffee, then they're very welcome to do so."
He added: "I was in last night talking to the Prime Minister. That they've had just a quick coffee this morning, I think it is probably unsurprising." However, Ed and Susanna expressed surprise at the brief meeting, with Susanna remarking: "I have to say, I know you're a very good minister for Europe, but what you just said sounds like you're from a different planet!"
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV from 6am.
