More than 80 Labour MPs have publicly called for Keir Starmer to step down as party leader, while over 100 have signed a statement backing him. The growing opposition reveals multiple agendas within the parliamentary Labour party (PLP), ranging from frustration over local election results to resentment over Starmer's reshuffle and strategic manoeuvring by supporters of potential successors.
Key factions driving the revolt
Post-election frustration
Catherine West, the former Foreign Office minister who briefly threatened a 'stalking horse' candidacy, spoke for many MPs still reeling from the May local election results. She dared cabinet ministers to challenge Starmer after a furious WhatsApp exchange with housing secretary Steve Reed. Other MPs, including Paulette Hamilton, Ruth Jones, Richard Baker, and Alex Ballinger, cited constituents losing confidence in Starmer. A former supporter noted: 'He clearly did not feel the pain of the local elections results. The lack of empathy shows he didn't come from the political grassroots.'
Reshuffle resentment
Some MPs believe colleagues have been waiting to express their anger over Starmer's reshuffle before the party conference last year, following Angela Rayner's resignation from government. 'Talented people were sacked, and Starmer made them feel like the problem,' a loyal senior figure said. West was sacked as minister for the Indo-Pacific in September's reshuffle. Justin Madders, former employment minister and a member of the Tribune group, supports Andy Burnham or another soft-left candidate. Catherine McKinnell, former SEND minister, is an ally of Wes Streeting.
Streeting supporters seeking swift resolution
Some in the PLP believe health secretary Wes Streeting orchestrated a coordinated move against Starmer. Allies including Chris Curtis, Jas Athwal, and Joe Morris used similar language about a 'swift' leadership transition. This benefits Streeting, who apparently has 'hundreds of supporters' in the PLP. Three ministers who quit on Tuesday—Alex Davies-Jones, Jess Phillips, and Zubir Ahmed—are close to Streeting, with Ahmed calling for an 'expedient' transition.
Burnham backers calling for orderly transition
MPs urging Starmer to set out a plan for an 'orderly transition' tend to support Burnham, or a soft-left contender to challenge Streeting. Allies like Paula Barker, Louise Haigh, Clive Lewis, Connor Naismith, and Simon Opher believe a longer timeline allows for proper discussion of future policy and gives Burnham time to win a byelection. Josh Simons, former director of Labour Together, also supports a longer departure timeline, claiming Starmer had lost the country.
The Socialist Campaign Group
This roughly 30-strong group of hard-left MPs, often painted as 'usual suspects', were among the first to call for Starmer to go. They hope for a slower transition to reduce the odds of Streeting, a Blairite, becoming prime minister.
The internal strife underscores a party deeply divided over its future direction, with local election losses and leadership style fuelling the rebellion.
