Business Secretary Peter Kyle has cautioned Labour against descending into the kind of leadership turmoil that plagued the Conservative Party, taking a veiled swipe at potential challengers to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Speaking at a press gallery lunch in Westminster, Mr Kyle expressed frustration that Labour had not learned from the revolving door of Conservative premiers. He criticised MPs for blaming Mr Starmer alone for the party's struggles, rather than addressing broader policy issues.
In an apparent dig at Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who is widely expected to mount a leadership bid if he returns to Westminster, Mr Kyle said: “Entitlement is not a qualification for leadership.” He argued that the political system rewards those who thrust themselves forward during instability, rather than those who deliver stability.
Mr Kyle also distanced himself from former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, a long-time friend who quit the Cabinet last month after losing confidence in the Prime Minister. “If you put friendship ahead of what you believe is in the interest of the country, that takes you to a very bad place,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that voters want bolder action, saying: “People want to see that government can match the scale of challenges that they perceive we have as a country.” He suggested Labour could adopt the same boldness as Donald Trump, but for progressive policies.
