UPDATE: Labour leadership contenders are reportedly offering government positions to garner support in their challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, a former MP revealed today. Rosie Duffield, now an independent MP after resigning from the Labour Party, sparked this urgent speculation at Westminster with her claims on social media.
Duffield tweeted that “very senior Labour MPs,” some recently ousted, are promising roles to colleagues who back them in a potential leadership contest. She further noted that some candidates, facing vulnerable seats in the upcoming election, are even house-hunting in constituencies they’ve never visited. This dramatic revelation intensifies the ongoing turmoil within the Labour Party.
The backdrop of this political maneuvering follows the forced resignation of deputy leader Angela Rayner two months ago over a stamp duty bill, and the dismissal of Lucy Powell during a recent cabinet reshuffle. Both women are seen as potential contenders against Starmer, alongside Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who is currently viewed as the frontrunner following recent chaotic briefings suggesting he was preparing to challenge the PM.
Amidst this political upheaval, Clive Lewis, a left-wing MP, has publicly called for Starmer’s replacement with Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, stating that the Prime Minister’s position is “not tenable.” Lewis urged Labour leaders to consider how they can reintegrate Burnham into the parliamentary party as a viable candidate for Prime Minister.
In a stark warning, former Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett cautioned Starmer that he must “get a grip” within the next three months or risk facing “serious consequences.” Blunkett emphasized the need for Starmer to respond effectively to the electorate’s concerns or face backlash from both the party and the public.
Blunkett also suggested that moving chief of staff Morgan McSweeney could be essential for Starmer to stave off a leadership challenge. He recommended appointing someone with experience, similar to Tony Blair’s former Chief of Staff, to help stabilize the situation.
Tonight, Labour MPs privately assessed that Streeting’s best opportunity to ascend to leadership may arise soon after this month’s budget announcement, as Rayner continues to recover from her recent political fallout. However, Streeting has publicly denied any intentions of plotting against Starmer.
As Labour navigates this precarious political landscape, all eyes will be on how these developments unfold in the coming weeks. The implications of these internal conflicts could significantly reshape the party’s future and its strategy heading into the next election.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and watch for the potential ramifications of these leadership dynamics on the Labour Party’s direction.
