Catherine West, the Labour MP who initially announced a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has changed course. She now calls on Starmer to set a timetable for his departure by September, describing his recent speech as 'too little, too late'.
West, MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet and a former Foreign Office minister, had said on Saturday she would seek the 81 signatures needed for a formal challenge, but clarified she did not wish to take over herself. In a statement after Starmer's Monday speech, she urged an orderly transition and said she is collecting names to demand a September leadership election.
Under Labour rules, a challenge requires 20% of MPs (81 signatures), but West's plan to gather names for a future contest has no formal force, acting instead as a de facto no-confidence vote. Her shift may reduce urgency, amid speculation that rivals like Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner could launch bids.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, could potentially return to parliament if a longer timetable allows, though Starmer said the NEC blocked him in January. Speaking in Bournemouth, Rayner said Burnham should not have been stopped from contesting a byelection, adding Labour must prioritise 'common interests ahead of factionalism'.
In his Monday speech, Starmer vowed to fight any challenge and not walk away, promising a new EU deal, nationalisation of British steel, and a youth guarantee. He warned critics risked opening the door to Reform UK, saying Labour is the last defence against a 'very dark path'.
