Union Chief Demands Starmer's Removal Amid Labour Turmoil
Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure as the leader of a major Labour-affiliated union publicly calls for his removal from office. Steve Wright, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), has urged Members of Parliament to trigger a leadership change, citing growing anger over the Peter Mandelson scandal.
FBU Leader's Direct Challenge to Prime Minister
In a televised interview on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Wright stated unequivocally: "I think there needs to be a leadership change, and I think MPs need to be calling for that and trigger it." He suggested that many within the party share this sentiment but are reluctant to voice it publicly.
The union leader specifically criticised Starmer's decision-making process, noting that the Prime Minister appeared to ignore advice from senior colleagues regarding Mandelson's appointment. "It seems that the Prime Minister isn't taking advice from elected people within his own government," Wright observed. "We've seen that he didn't listen to the former deputy prime minister (Angela Rayner). He hasn't listened to his current deputy prime minister (David Lammy)."
Labour MP Condemns 'Boys Club' Culture in No10
Adding to Starmer's difficulties, Labour backbencher Dr Rosena Allin-Khan used the same programme to criticise what she described as a "boys' club" operating within Downing Street. While stopping short of calling for a leadership challenge herself, she urged the Prime Minister to remove problematic advisors.
"I do believe he knew enough to make an informed decision to block the appointment of Peter Mandelson, which should have happened at the outset," Allin-Khan stated. "But I think someone needs to take responsibility, and a lot of responsibility needs to lie with people who advise him. It is well known that there is a boys club in number ten of people who feel as though they can act with impunity."
The MP expressed concern that internal party conflicts could benefit political opponents, warning: "I want us to be getting our heads down and getting on with the job, because if we do (get engrossed in a leadership scrap), all we allow is Reform to sneak in by the back door."
Government Minister Warns Against Leadership Change
Labour frontbencher Pat McFadden strongly defended the Prime Minister, arguing that removing Starmer would create significant instability. He drew parallels with the frequent leadership changes that characterised the previous Conservative government, suggesting such turmoil would damage the country.
"I think the Prime Minister has acted in good faith through this," McFadden asserted. "He's never been involved with Jeffrey Epstein. This is all from a time before he was even an MP, let alone leader of the Labour Party or the Prime Minister. He's horrified."
The minister emphasised Starmer's electoral mandate, stating: "I believe he should stay. I think he's got a five year mandate, which was just voted for 18 months or so ago in a general election. His task is by no means complete, it's barely begun."
McFadden warned of broader consequences, adding: "And I also think it is not good for the country to change its Prime Minister every 18 months or two years. It's leading to chaos and uncertainty economically, politically and reputationally around the world."
Despite acknowledging a "difficult week" for the government, McFadden maintained that Starmer should remain in post, noting that the Prime Minister had apologised for his mistake and would learn from the experience.
