Discontent within the Labour Party is escalating as allies of Wes Streeting anticipate a leadership challenge to Keir Starmer in the coming weeks. Despite Streeting publicly affirming his support for Starmer, insiders suggest he is positioning himself to contest the Prime Minister’s leadership soon after the results of the Gorton and Denton byelection are announced.
On Tuesday, Starmer sought to unify the party following a tumultuous day in Westminster, which saw Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, publicly criticize him, and the departure of his communications director. During this time, Starmer emphasized his commitment to transforming the UK, stating he would “never walk away” from his mandate. He received endorsements from notable figures including Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, and Streeting.
Despite these displays of solidarity, MPs close to Streeting assert he is eager to challenge Starmer, especially if local election results in May do not improve the party’s standing. One MP mentioned that it is crucial for Streeting to act swiftly to avoid being overshadowed by potential rival Angela Rayner, who is currently under scrutiny regarding a £40,000 property tax investigation.
“Nothing has changed,” one MP commented. “There was a big performance of unity yesterday, but Keir is no safer than he was before.” Another added, “We need to act quickly. There is a big risk that we meander and end up in this tepid decline.” The sentiment among some MPs is that Starmer’s leadership is faltering, with one even labeling him a “zombie,” comparing him to former Prime Minister Theresa May in her final days of leadership.
In response to these claims, a spokesperson for Streeting dismissed the allegations, stating they were “categorically not true.” Another Labour backbencher expressed concern about Starmer’s public perception, noting, “The reality is the public does not like or trust Keir Starmer. Once we have the results of the local elections, it will become unavoidably clear that something bigger needs to change.”
Starmer’s attempts to project unity were contradicted by the comments of discontented MPs. In a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, discussions were described as “frank and broad,” with ministers evaluating Starmer’s leadership shortcomings. An insider remarked, “We think Keir should remain in place, but the culture in No 10 has to change completely. The briefings against colleagues need to stop.”
Following this meeting, both Streeting and Starmer reportedly spoke to clear the air, but tensions remain high. Starmer reiterated his commitment at an event in Hertfordshire, stating, “I will never walk away from the mandate I was given to change this country.”
The situation was further complicated by Sarwar’s resignation demand, which sparked chaos on Monday. A senior minister commented, “There were junior ministers and PPSs [parliamentary private secretaries] ready to go. It went off half cocked. There was a plan; it just didn’t work. I think the story now is Wes’s misjudgment.”
As speculation grows about potential collusion between Streeting and Sarwar, some MPs remain skeptical of Streeting’s assurances of loyalty. They point to his pre-planned release of text messages from former Labour adviser Peter Mandelson as an impractical action for someone attempting a leadership coup. Supporters of Streeting counter that he was actually voicing support for the Prime Minister during Sarwar’s statement.
“Before Anas Sarwar made his statement, Wes told Sky News that Keir needs to be given a chance and shouldn’t resign,” one supporter asserted. Another minister noted, “No 10 seems to have an obsession with Wes. People are saying that he bottled it without any evidence he was going for it.”
Labour MPs believe that Starmer’s future hinges on the outcomes of both the Gorton and Denton byelection and the local elections in May. One MP summarized the sentiment, saying, “Keir is there, but he can’t stay for long. His name keeps coming up on the doorstep – people hate him. They didn’t fully trust him before the election, and they definitely don’t after his decision to cut winter fuel payments.”
As the political landscape continues to shift, the Labour Party’s leadership dynamics remain under close scrutiny, with the potential for significant changes on the horizon.
