Many Labour MPs are blaming the boss for elections body blow

In light of Labour's disappointing performance in recent elections, at least a dozen Labour MPs have publicly expressed that Sir Keir Starmer should either resign or establish a timeline for his departure.

It remains to be seen whether this sentiment will gain traction among the party.

A number of Labour MPs have voiced their belief that the Prime Minister himself contributes to the party's unpopularity among voters.

"There was one issue on the door, and it was Keir. If he leads us into a future election, we are dead," one Labour MP remarked.

Another typically loyal Labour MP, representing an area that saw significant support for Reform in the recent poll, commented that while voters did not harbor animosity towards Labour as a whole, "they did hate Keir."

A senior member of the Labour party stated, "everyone in Wales is saying this is all Starmer's fault."

However, some express concern over the potential repercussions of initiating a leadership race while the party remains in government, and question whether such a change would truly resolve the underlying issues.

"I still believe that anyone who takes over will face the same challenges—an impatient and nearly ungovernable country that demands tax cuts alongside increased spending on nearly everything," conveyed another Labour MP.

Most cabinet ministers have rallied around Starmer, appearing in media to underscore his position that he will not resign from Number 10, while also publicly expressing their support for him on social media.

For instance, Business Secretary Peter Kyle stated, "Reversing these results requires a collective effort, not just blaming the boss."

While it is evident that few MPs are solely attributing blame to Starmer, a considerable number do acknowledge that he is part of the dilemma.

Given the prevailing sentiment of dissatisfaction, one might expect a more significant number of calls for the Prime Minister's resignation.

However, Labour politics often presents complexities that defy such straightforward conclusions.

Former cabinet minister Louise Haigh remarked to the BBC that now is not the appropriate moment for a tumultuous internal leadership contest and complimented Sir Keir's position regarding the Iran war.

Nevertheless, her remarks included a poignant caveat.

"The message has been clear from the public," she asserted, "Unless the government delivers urgent and significant change, it is evident that the PM cannot lead us into the next election."

Her colleague, Sarah Owen, went a step further, indicating that "unless Keir Starmer delivers tangible change… he cannot lead us into another election, locally or nationally."

Both MPs are prominent figures in the "soft left" Tribune group, with some members advocating for limited support of Sir Keir until Greater Manchester’s mayor Andy Burnham can return to Westminster and contest the leadership.

'Mutinous mood'

The day has witnessed a concerted effort from certain factions within the party's center-left to pressure the Prime Minister via interviews and social media, urging him to announce a timeline for his departure.

Some advocating for the Prime Minister to set a timetable for resignation appear to be motivated by Burnham's ambitions.

Becoming Labour leader necessitates being an MP, and Burnham has yet to hold that status.

Advocates for a timeline believe that such an announcement could allow sufficient time for Burnham's return to Parliament.

When he previously sought to become an MP, he faced disqualification from standing by the party.

Members of Labour's National Executive Committee have indicated to the BBC that they might still block his candidacy.

Should they proceed with such action, it remains uncertain what alternative Plan B the Burnham supporters might have.

Nonetheless, as expected, several MPs are now calling for the barrier to be lifted.

One member informed the BBC that if Burnham's candidacy is obstructed again, "the mood in the Parliamentary Labour Party would be mutinous."

Those publicly voicing their concerns represent a small fraction of the over 400 Labour MPs in the Commons.

However, the sight of numerous cabinet ministers reaffirming their loyalty to the PM on social media is not typical politics, as this sentiment is generally understood without needing explicit expression, highlighting the anxiety pervasive within Downing Street at this moment.

This election cycle has been characterized by significant fragmentation, volatility, and multi-party dynamics, resulting in notable record-breaking outcomes.

'Hunkering down'

Sometimes, it is the nuanced details that best capture the broader landscape.

For example, the Labour leader of Camden, the Prime Minister’s local authority in north London, lost to the Greens, though Labour retained control of the council.

The Conservatives faced a defeat to Reform in Kemi Badenoch's stronghold of Essex.

In Kirklees, West Yorkshire, local leaders from Westminster’s three major parties all lost their council seats during the same election.

Labour had maintained electoral dominance in Wales since long before Sir David Attenborough's debut, but this tradition was disrupted today.

Sir Steve Houghton had served as the Labour leader of Barnsley Council since the tenure of John Major as Prime Minister—until today.

The Scottish National Party has consistently secured victories in devolved elections since before the advent of the iPhone—and they maintain this status.

Indeed, Labour's setbacks coincided with the Conservatives becoming increasingly inconsequential in the political landscape.

Currently, it is reported that the Prime Minister is "hunkering down" in No10.

Sir Keir intends to deliver a substantive speech and introduce a new legislative agenda next week—acknowledging that the reception of these initiatives will be pivotal in determining the duration of his leadership in Downing Street.