When it comes to stop plotting to oust keir starmer, ex-deputy labour leader urges mps, tom Watson, the former deputy leader of the Labour Party, has urged party MPs to cease any plotting aimed at ousting current leader Keir Starmer. Watson's admonition comes as Labour prepares for challenging local election results expected on Thursday, particularly in Scotland and Wales. The housing and communities secretary, Steve Reed, a prominent ally of Starmer, echoed these sentiments, warning that a leadership change could lead to Labour's "annihilation".
Understanding Stop Plotting To Oust Keir Starmer, Ex-deputy Labour Leader Urges MPs
Tom Watson, who previously served as a junior minister during Tony Blair's tenure, has a historical perspective on leadership challenges within the Labour Party. In a recent Substack post, he reflected on the tumultuous events of 2006 when Blair faced pressure from within his party, leading to a call for his resignation. Watson's experience has led him to advise current Labour MPs against similar reckless behavior, stating, "Whatever the rights and wrongs of Labour's current woes, the answer is not two-dozen backbench MPs writing a public letter calling on the prime minister to resign." He warned that such actions would create a "Westminster psychodrama" that could alienate voters. Originally reported by The Guardian.
The Stakes in Upcoming Elections
As Labour braces for the elections, senior party figures are already expressing concerns about the potential fallout. With predictions indicating bleak results, particularly for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments and English councils, many MPs are expressing frustration. According to one party member, activists are increasingly blaming Starmer for the party's struggles, remarking, "They don't hate Labour, they hate Keir, as unfair as that is, and I do think it is massively unfair." Despite this sentiment, expectations of an immediate leadership challenge remain low, with potential contenders such as Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, and Wes Streeting caught in a "Mexican standoff," hesitant to act.
Internal Divisions and Leadership Loyalty
Steve Reed's comments further solidified the current leadership's stance, as he remarked that most Labour MPs are not inclined to support any leadership challenge. He criticized the notion of emulating the Conservative Party's approach to leadership changes, stating, "The whole notion that we would copy the Conservatives and go doomscrolling through leaders.. is absolute nonsense." Reed emphasized that such a strategy would render the government incapable of addressing pressing public concerns. Meanwhile, Steve Wright from the Fire Brigades Union reiterated calls for Starmer's resignation, suggesting that a poor election outcome would leave Starmer vulnerable.
Potential Contenders and Future Implications
Despite the current reluctance to initiate a leadership challenge, some insiders believe the political landscape could shift significantly post-elections. Backers of Andy Burnham are reportedly monitoring the local election results in the north-west before deciding on a potential intervention, with discussions likely focusing on requesting Starmer to outline a plan for a dignified exit. Such a plan could allow Burnham to pursue a parliamentary seat without obstruction from Labour's national executive committee. However, Burnham and his allies face an uphill battle, as any such move would likely be met with considerable resistance from Starmer's loyalists.
Looking ahead, the coming weeks are likely to be fraught with tension within the Labour Party. With many MPs feeling disillusioned about the party's direction under Starmer's leadership, a significant number may decide to take action. As one senior party source noted, "Plenty of MPs now think they might as well just roll the dice and that anything would be better than where we are now." The outcome of the impending local elections could prove pivotal in shaping the party's future and determining whether Starmer remains at the helm.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.