Starmer’s leadership is under serious threat.10 hours agoChris M. Mason, Political editorandIain W. Watson, Political correspondentPA MediaPrime minister Sir Keir Starmer faces the first explicit leadership challenge by one of his MPs. But how serious is the threat to him? Catherine West’s appearance on Radio 4’s PM program immediately raised eyebrows in Westminster. Many Labour MPs from across the party have told us that they didn’t see it coming. “Crikey,” said another. Another person called it “crikey”. A former frontbencher described West’s intervention as “bonkers”. But another said they knew about her plans because of messages shared by some Labour MPs. They characterized her intervention as a manifestation of frustration and exasperation. One minister said, “It’s a howl,” reflecting the pain of so many Labour Party members this weekend. Many have lost their social circles in their patch. Some MPs told us that she had no chance of gaining the MPs that she would need. An MP on the right suggested that she could be unintentionally helpful to the PM. If you want someone other than Andy, you need to act sooner rather than later. “Others want their colleagues to calm themselves down. It would be “ego over nation,” said one of the 2024 intake. “It’s self-centred. If you want to make it better, then get involved. “We’re in the government, this isn’t a joke,” they added.Another veteran said: “I go on vacation and everything goes to hell.” It’s a bit fiasco. People are confused, angry and frustrated. Keir’s departure is inevitable, but we do not want to see blood on the wall. Let’s give Andy Burnham time to return. “Burnham is the Mayor of Greater Manchester and not an MP. This prevents him from participating in any leadership contest. The party prevented him from standing at the Gorton and Denton By-Election earlier this year for fear he would launch an unsuccessful leadership bid. Burnham’s supporters believe that Sir Keir should announce a timetable for his departure. Around 20 of Burnham’s supporters have publicly asked Sir Keir for a timetable to announce his departure. (Another 10 MPs simply want him to leave). If Sir Keir does this, the ruling national executive of the party will no longer prevent Burnham from returning because there won’t be a leadership challenge against a soon-to-departing Keir. Burnham is out if West starts a fight now. Some of his supporters are trying to convince her to change her mind and adopt their plan. But Sir Keir has ruled out both an orderly and abrupt departure. He told the Observer that he was prepared to lead his Party to the next elections and serve a second-term as Prime Minister. There doesn’t appear to be much enthusiasm for being the first to go. On Monday, Sir Keir is going to try to reboot his ailing Premiership with a speech that will “with clarity” set out his values and convictions. And on Wednesday, the State Opening of Parliament will be held, where the government plans to introduce its new legislation. Can he turn things around?Keir StarmerUK Elections 2026Labour party
