Union Leader Demands Starmer Resign if Labour Fails in Crucial By-Election
Sir Keir Starmer should step down as Labour leader if the party finishes third in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, a prominent trade union leader has declared. Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA), has publicly endorsed Angela Rayner to replace him, marking the first instance where a leader from one of Labour’s affiliated unions has openly supported an alternative candidate to Sir Keir.
By-Election Ultimatum and Leadership Challenge Threat
Ms Eslamdoust warned that a leadership challenge could emerge as early as the end of February, particularly if Labour falls behind Reform UK and the Greens in the critical by-election. She told the Daily Telegraph, “If we were to come third, I think Keir’s time will be up.” Calling for a diverse range of candidates in any contest, she emphasized, “I’d like for a woman to lead the Labour Party.”
She described Ms Rayner as a credible candidate who could demonstrate real leadership and effectively stand up to US President Donald Trump. “She can speak in a way that resonates with workers, with working-class communities, with women,” Ms Eslamdoust added. “But she’s also strong. So when she had her unfortunate scandal, she showed leadership and stepped down. She didn’t cling on, and that’s something that I find admirable.”
Rayner’s Past and Current Stance
Ms Rayner was compelled to resign last year following revelations that she failed to pay £40,000 in stamp duty after selling her family home, and she could still face penalties from HMRC over the unpaid tax. Despite this, she remains a potential leadership candidate should Sir Keir resign, although a spokesman for Ms Rayner stated there is “no contest and no vacancy.” The spokesman further noted, “Angela has been clear Labour must come together, avoid distraction and work as a team to deliver for the public.”
Union Influence and Broader Party Tensions
With approximately 17,000 members, the TSSA is one of Britain’s smaller trade unions but holds a seat on Labour’s ruling national executive committee. The union also criticized the recent decision to bar Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from applying to be Labour’s candidate in Gorton and Denton, asserting the party had “lost its way.”
Ms Eslamdoust’s comments follow Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar’s call for Sir Keir to quit amid the fallout from the Peter Mandelson scandal. Sir Keir survived that episode, with the Cabinet unanimously expressing support and Ms Rayner offering her full backing. However, these latest remarks intensify the pressure on him ahead of the by-election on February 26.
The Prime Minister has vowed to continue, declaring he is not prepared to “walk away” from the country or his party’s fight against Reform UK. As the by-election approaches, these developments highlight deepening divisions within Labour and the growing scrutiny on its leadership performance.
