A growing number of Labour MPs are expressing their concerns over Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, with several warning that he is on the brink of being ousted following a turbulent first year in office and the fallout from Peter Mandelson’s sacking.
Calls for Change as Concerns Mount
On Monday, Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East, became one of the latest Labour MPs to publicly urge Starmer to change course, stating that if the party performs poorly in the upcoming local elections, Starmer could be gone by May. Burgon argued that it is “inevitable” that the prime minister will be forced out if Labour continues on its current trajectory, especially as local elections and opinion polls predict a challenging outcome.
Burgon warned that the UK is facing the rise of a “far-right extremist government” and stressed that it is the prime minister’s duty to prevent that by delivering real change for the people. He emphasized that if Starmer fails to deliver, there will inevitably be a need for change at the top.
The backlash comes just over a year after Labour’s historic victory, as discontent continues to grow within the party ranks. The recent sacking of Britain’s ambassador to the US, following revelations about his ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, has raised serious questions about Starmer’s judgment, further fueling the unrest.
Growing Discontent Within Labour
Clive Lewis, another Labour MP, echoed similar concerns, stating that Starmer “doesn’t seem up to the job.” Meanwhile, Graham Stringer, MP for Blackley and Middleton South, noted that Starmer is “supping in the last-chance saloon.” Many Labour backbenchers believe Starmer is making significant mistakes, and growing dissatisfaction with his leadership is becoming increasingly evident.
Burgon’s remarks paint a picture of Labour losing support both to the left and right, with the party facing the possibility of losing seats to both ends of the political spectrum. He stressed that Labour must offer real change to avoid ceding ground to the far-right forces threatening to take control of the UK.
Pressure from the Left Wing
Behind the scenes, left-wing Labour MPs are reportedly rallying around Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as a potential leadership challenger. Burnham, who has been vocal about introducing wealth taxes and nationalizing utilities, could become a strong contender if Starmer’s leadership continues to falter. Reports suggest that Burnham is preparing to launch a leadership bid, and some believe he may seek a parliamentary seat through a by-election to challenge Starmer.
The growing discontent within the party is compounded by fears of a right-wing surge, with Nigel Farage’s party gaining momentum in the polls. For some MPs, the idea that Farage could be ahead of Labour in polling is seen as a terrifying prospect, underlining the party’s struggle to assert itself under Starmer’s leadership.
Backlash Over Leadership and Policy Direction
While some MPs argue for leadership change, others, like Baroness Jacqui Smith, have defended Starmer’s position, claiming that his focus remains on the government’s agenda and the work that the British people elected Labour to do. Smith rejected accusations of Labour ignoring its MPs, while also dismissing suggestions that Burnham would be a better leader.
However, the controversy surrounding Starmer’s leadership has raised serious questions about his ability to guide the party through the current political climate. His public defense of Peter Mandelson just days before his sacking over the Epstein scandal has added further pressure to an already strained leadership.
The Road Ahead for Labour
As Labour prepares for the upcoming elections, MPs are increasingly divided on how to address the challenges ahead. The party’s internal crisis, exacerbated by Starmer’s handling of key issues, has led to a situation where leadership change is not only being discussed but actively demanded by some of its own members.
With the political landscape shifting rapidly and dissatisfaction within the party growing, the coming months will likely be pivotal for Sir Keir Starmer’s future as Labour leader. Whether he can steer the party back on track or faces a leadership challenge from within remains to be seen.
The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Starmer can weather the storm or if Labour will need to look for a new direction to secure its future success.
