Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq has expressed surprise after her name appeared on a letter backing Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister, claiming she did not consent to being included. The letter, signed by over 100 Labour backbench MPs, is seen as crucial in Sir Keir's efforts to fend off a leadership challenge.
In a post on X, Huq wrote: “Surprised to see my name on this list when I haven’t either signed any letter supporting the PM or called for the PM to go?? Not very courteous of colleagues to put names down without their approval.” Two other MPs are believed to have been similarly listed without their consent.
The pro-Starmer letter includes several London MPs such as Calvin Bailey, Rachel Blake, Ruth Cadbury, and others. Blake stated: “The Prime Minister has set out the scale of the challenge ahead and bold actions to take on those challenges. We should support the Prime Minister to deliver for the country and not turn on ourselves.”
However, a significant number of London MPs are urging Sir Keir to step down, including Catherine West, who sparked the leadership furore by calling for a contest. Peckham MP Miatta Fahnbulleh resigned as a minister, urging the PM to set a timetable for an orderly transition.
Former shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has pushed for a contest, while Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy warned that internal divisions benefit Reform UK. The letter is part of a broader struggle within Labour, with four ministers having resigned and over 90 MPs reportedly calling for Sir Keir's departure.
