Westminster is gripped by claims of an internal plot against Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, with senior figures allegedly offering government jobs to colleagues in exchange for their support in a future leadership contest.
Allegations of Deal-Making and Internal Unrest
The sensational claim was made by former Labour MP Rosie Duffield, who now sits as an independent after resigning from the party last year. Ms Duffield wrote on X that 'very senior Labour MPs, some very recently ousted, are offering positions to other Labour MPs who'll back them' in a contest against Sir Keir.
She further fuelled speculation by alleging that potential leadership candidates with vulnerable seats had already begun house-hunting in safer constituencies 'they've never even set foot in before'. The MP for Canterbury did not publicly name the alleged plotters.
Key Figures in the Leadership Speculation
These comments arrive amidst significant internal Labour Party turmoil. Angela Rayner was forced to resign from the Government two months ago over her stamp duty bill, while Lucy Powell – now Deputy Labour Leader – was sacked from the Cabinet by Sir Keir in his autumn reshuffle.
Both women have been named as potential candidates for the leadership, alongside Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who is now seen as the current favourite to succeed Sir Keir. This follows a botched briefing last week that wrongly suggested Mr Streeting was already preparing a challenge.
Adding to the pressure, Left-wing MP Clive Lewis has openly called for Sir Keir to be replaced by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, declaring the Prime Minister's position as 'not tenable'. He told Channel 4 News that Labour grandees need to 'really, seriously think how do we get Andy Burnham back into this parliamentary Labour party and let him step up and become the next PM'.
Senior Warnings and Demands for a 'Grip' on Power
In a stark intervention, former Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett warned Sir Keir that he needs 'to get a grip' within three months or face 'serious consequences'. Lord Blunkett urged the Prime Minister to move his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney – widely blamed for last week's botched briefing against Mr Streeting – to a new role.
Speaking after the briefing row and Chancellor Rachel Reeves's humiliating U-turn on income tax rises, Lord Blunkett told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'If you don't display in the next three months that you have got a grip... then of course people will react – that's a democracy.'
He suggested bringing in someone more experienced, such as Tony Blair's former Chief of Staff Jonathan Powell, to run the operation. 'For goodness' sake, get a grip. This can't carry on,' he added, noting the implications extend far beyond the government's popularity.
Privately, Labour MPs believe the removal of Mr McSweeney has become necessary if Sir Keir is to head off a direct leadership challenge. Meanwhile, some MPs speculate that Wes Streeting's best chance for the top job would be shortly after this month's Budget, though Mr Streeting has firmly denied any plotting against Sir Keir.
