A political move from 37 years ago is echoing in Westminster as Labour MP Catherine West launches a "stalking horse" challenge against Sir Keir Starmer, drawing direct comparisons to Sir Anthony Meyer's 1989 bid against Margaret Thatcher.
Historical Parallels
Sir Anthony Meyer, a pro-European Union Conservative MP, ran as a stalking horse candidate against Margaret Thatcher in 1989. While she won comfortably, his challenge weakened her position and paved the way for Michael Heseltine's successful bid a year later, ending her premiership.
Now, Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet, has positioned herself as Labour's equivalent. However, Labour MPs may not wait a year to oust Starmer, given the party's dire polling and internal discontent.
Labour's Leadership Rules
Unlike the Conservatives, Labour's rules require a full leadership contest, needing 83 MPs to nominate a candidate. This cumbersome process has historically deterred challengers, even when leaders faced certain defeat, as seen with Gordon Brown in 2009 when plotters lost their nerve.
West's announcement effectively gives permission for senior figures—like Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner—to enter the race without being seen as disloyal or wielding the knife.
Potential Candidates
Before West's declaration, Defence Minister Al Carns, a former Royal Marines commander, was considered a potential stalking horse. However, Carns reportedly believes he could win outright and did not want to merely open the door for others.
West is unlikely to become Labour leader or prime minister, but her move makes it almost certain that Starmer will be replaced before the summer, with Streeting and Rayner seen as the most likely successors.
