BBC
Labour MP Catherine West has issued a challenge to her party, indicating that if a cabinet member does not initiate a challenge to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership by Monday, she will take steps to instigate a leadership contest.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, West expressed her hope that the cabinet would "reorganise themselves" and nominate their "best communicator" to succeed Sir Keir, thereby circumventing the need for a leadership election. However, in light of the dire election results for Labour, she stated that she is placing the cabinet "on notice." If no leadership candidate emerges by Monday, West plans to solicit support from Labour MPs to help her trigger a contest.
To successfully initiate this process, she would need the backing of 20% of Labour MPs, which translates to 81 members.
West, who previously served as a junior minister in the Foreign Office, mentioned that she currently has the support of 10 MPs willing to endorse her leadership bid, but she remains optimistic that sufficient additional support will materialize to prompt a contest.
"My preferred option is for the cabinet to conduct a reshuffle among themselves, where there's significant talent available. I believe Keir could take on a different role, possibly an international one, which he might find more enjoyable," remarked the MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet during her interview with Radio 4's PM programme. "This would allow others to step forward who can effectively communicate the party's message, thus minimizing complications."
In contrast, Cabinet Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds advised caution regarding West's approach. "We have witnessed the consequences over the past decade when a governing party engages in continual leader change," he stated on the programme. "This leads to instability and detracts from our focus on delivering results."
While West does not aspire to become the Labour leader herself, her actions may inspire potential challengers to enter the fray. However, should her initiative falter and drive Labour MPs to consolidate around Sir Keir, it could ultimately fortify his leadership position.
Sir Keir has been resolute, stating he will not "walk away and plunge the country into chaos," particularly following the disappointing election outcomes for Labour on Friday. Cabinet ministers have also publicly expressed their support for the Prime Minister via social media.
Nonetheless, approximately 30 Labour MPs have vocalized their demands for a change in leadership or at least an established timeline for Sir Keir's departure since the results have been announced. Labour has lost over 1,400 seats in the recent English council elections, with Reform UK making significant gains in traditionally Labour strongholds across northern England and the Midlands.
Additionally, the Greens have achieved control over Waltham Forest, Lewisham, and Hackney in London—areas previously dominated by Labour—and they have elected the party's first mayors in Hackney and Lewisham.
In Wales, Labour faced a historic setback in the Senedd elections, finishing third behind Plaid Cymru and Reform UK. The party also experienced substantial losses in the Scottish Parliament elections, where the SNP secured a fifth consecutive term while Labour placed a distant second alongside Reform UK.
West refrained from identifying a specific candidate whom she believes would best succeed Sir Keir. "I do not have a candidate in mind, and that is part of the issue," she acknowledged. "However, several individuals may be willing and have been preparing for months. I'm surprised that none has come forward today to declare their intentions."
West commended Sir Keir's "excellent" efforts in revitalizing the Labour Party and his work in foreign policy. However, she noted his "lesser grip" on domestic issues, emphasizing that the party must intensify its efforts against Reform UK.
Her comments appeared to catch many in the Labour Party off guard. One minister, who has been critical of the Prime Minister, described West's stance as "mad." Another backbench critic labeled her actions a "totally irresponsible solo mission."
Immigration Minister Mike Tapp also criticized West's proposal: "When those within your own ranks start dismantling the barriers, the enemy does not require a battering ram. Reform are relishing this situation. Catherine West's actions are disappointing, and she should know better."
Meanwhile, another Labour MP, not particularly critical of Sir Keir, indicated they were surprised by West’s statements but would offer her their support on Monday. "I am reasonably confident she will secure the necessary 81 supporters," they said. "There is a broader sense of frustration among the backbenchers that extends beyond the public voices we've heard. Many moderate centrist Labour MPs also believe his time is up."
Some insiders suggest that West's call for the cabinet to offer its "best communicator" as a replacement for Sir Keir hints at an implicit endorsement of Wes Streeting, though associates of the health secretary deny this claim. On Friday, Streeting reaffirmed his support for Sir Keir but stated, "We must take responsibility in government for our mistakes."
When questioned by the BBC regarding his intentions for a leadership bid, Streeting remarked that Sir Keir had "delivered a majority that many thought impossible following the significant defeat in 2019."
Potential leadership candidates speculated outside of the cabinet include former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who resigned in September for failing to pay the appropriate tax on a flat purchase. However, she is believed to be awaiting the conclusion of an HMRC investigation into her tax matters before considering a leadership bid.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has garnered substantial support from various MPs, but any prospective leadership candidate must currently serve as a member of Parliament. Earlier this year, Burnham was prevented from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election, necessitating that he find another parliamentary seat, as well as gain approval from Labour's National Executive Committee.
As part of efforts to solidify his leadership, Sir Keir has appointed former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown and former deputy leader Harriet Harman as advisers. The veteran politicians will provide counsel to the PM regarding global finance and initiatives to combat violence against women.
However, these appointments have drawn confusion among several Labour MPs. One traditionally loyal minister commented, "It's a joke. There is no question that bringing these two back addresses our current challenges." Paula Barker, the Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree, remarked, "I have great respect for both Gordon and Harriet, but I would have respected them even more had they declined these offers for what amounts to non-jobs and advised the prime minister that it is time for a change and he should set forth a clear timetable."
In a move to reset his premiership, Sir Keir is preparing to deliver a significant speech next week and unveil a new legislative agenda.
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