Keir Starmer is battling to maintain control over the Labour Party amid growing dissent over his refusal to back a ceasefire in Gaza. Four shadow ministers are reportedly prepared to resign in the coming days, with up to ten others on “resignation watch”, according to party sources.
The rebellion follows the resignation of Imran Hussain on Tuesday night, and Labour officials are closely monitoring around 15 shadow ministers with large Muslim constituencies. None of those considering quitting are in the shadow cabinet, but the potential mass resignations pose the biggest threat to Starmer’s authority since his early leadership.
Labour MPs are under intense pressure from party members and constituents to take a firmer stance against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, where the Palestinian death toll has exceeded 10,000. One frontbencher said they had received over 600 emails on the issue, more than on Brexit or Covid. Another stated: “My position has always been that the only way forward is a ceasefire. The pause will not solve the problem.”
Starmer has called for a “humanitarian pause” rather than a full ceasefire, arguing that a ceasefire would embolden Hamas. He angered many in his party last month by suggesting Israel had the right to withhold electricity and water from Gaza, though he later clarified his remarks and expressed support for Palestinian statehood.
The Scottish National Party is considering forcing a vote on a ceasefire during the King’s Speech debates next week. Labour whips have instructed MPs not to support such a motion, but several frontbenchers are prepared to resign to do so. One said: “The vote is going to be the moment. The death toll is far too horrific.”
Starmer could avoid a confrontation if the Commons speaker refuses to call a ceasefire vote, or if the international community, led by the US, shifts its position. The Biden administration has recently hardened its stance, warning Israel against reoccupying Gaza. A Labour spokesperson said: “Labour fully understands calls for a ceasefire.”
