With his government mired in scandal, an operation to dethrone Keir Starmer is now under way, according to Labour MPs and officials. The prime minister faces mounting criticism over political judgment, lack of vision, and falling poll ratings, with some plotting to replace him.
Labour MPs share a joke about three envelopes in Soviet Russia, believing Starmer has already used his first two: blaming predecessors and restructuring. They fear his attempts to deal with crises—such as the winter fuel payment decision, freebies row, and welfare cuts—have unleashed more chaos.
The sacking of Peter Mandelson exemplifies poor judgment, as Starmer appointed him despite warnings about his scandal-ridden history. Allies say Starmer dislikes the 'V word' and focuses on incremental change, but one minister called this 'hopeless', adding that the country needs big, radical solutions.
Polling shows no governing party has fallen so far in its first year since the 1980s, and the rise of Reform UK worries Labour MPs. While some urge calm, citing a large majority and time until the next election, doubt has set in. MPs now discuss 'who' and 'how' to replace Starmer, with operations reportedly in place.
