More than 40 Labour MPs have called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to stand down following the party's disastrous local and devolved election results on Friday, which were the worst on record for Labour.
Despite the mounting pressure, Starmer has stated he will not resign, vowing in a Monday speech to "face up to the big challenges ahead." However, the list of MPs demanding his departure continues to grow throughout the day, with many calling for a leadership contest.
Potential successors include former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, though neither has made a formal move against the prime minister. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is also seen as a candidate, though he is not currently an MP after Starmer blocked his candidacy in February's Gorton and Denton by-election.
On Sunday, Rayner said Labour's approach "isn't working, and it needs to change," adding that the party should not have prevented Burnham from seeking a parliamentary seat. Labour MP Catherine West urged cabinet members to challenge Starmer by Monday, threatening to gather the 81 nominations needed to trigger a contest.
The growing rebellion among the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) extends beyond usual critics, echoing the 100-plus revolt over welfare cuts last July. With Starmer adamant he will not step down, a forced leadership bid appears the only way to replace him.
Labour won 411 seats in the 2024 general election, a 174-seat majority, making a leadership challenge harder as 20% of MPs (81) must nominate a contender. While 40 have spoken out, the number quietly backing change could be much higher.
