Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has launched a blistering attack on Labour colleagues backing Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham, accusing them of 'lighting a match and standing in the petrol' of the party's destruction. The close ally of Sir Keir Starmer warned that internal strife over the next ten weeks would see Labour out of office and pave the way for Nigel Farage to seize power.
Streeting's Brexit call dismissed as 'sixth form debate'
Mr Lammy dismissed Mr Streeting's call for the UK to rejoin the European Union as a 'sixth form debate', insisting Labour's focus must be on delivering election pledges. He argued that Sir Keir would survive the resignation of the former health secretary, just as Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair weathered departures of Michael Heseltine and Robin Cook.
'Introspection, internecine warfare? Effectively, some of our colleagues are lighting the match and standing in the petrol,' Mr Lammy said. 'That is not going to deliver on behalf of the British people. That will usher in Farage.'
Labour turmoil described as 'own goal'
Describing the ten days following Mr Streeting's resignation as 'an extraordinary own goal', Mr Lammy warned that unless uncertainty over the prime minister's position ends, Labour faces 'desperate trouble'. He told the BBC he was 'very sad when Wes Streeting decided to leave the government', but noted that resignations over collective responsibility have occurred under previous leaders.
Sir Keir, he said, is 'the most resilient person I know', appealing to Labour MPs for more 'discipline' and 'loyalty'. The intervention underscores deepening divisions within the party as it grapples with Brexit and leadership challenges.
