Labour MPs Demand Starmer Step Aside for Interim Leader
Senior Labour Members of Parliament are calling for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign immediately, advocating for a caretaker leader to govern until a full leadership contest can be held this summer. This extraordinary proposal comes as Government backbenchers express deep despair over the ongoing Peter Mandelson scandal, warning that without Starmer's departure, the party faces catastrophic losses in upcoming by-elections and local polls.
Electoral Disaster Looms Without Immediate Change
Labour MPs argue that unless Starmer quits over the Mandelson crisis, the party is heading for disaster at the Gorton and Denton by-election scheduled for February 26, followed by potential annihilation in May's crucial local elections. The growing consensus among rebellious MPs is that the Cabinet must persuade Sir Keir to step down this week, allowing a "non-contentious" candidate to serve as temporary replacement.
Defence Secretary John Healey and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn have emerged as potential interim leaders, both seen as respected Cabinet ministers without realistic long-term leadership ambitions that could destabilize the temporary arrangement. One senior Labour MP involved in the plotting told The Mail on Sunday: "Extraordinary times call for extraordinary solutions. We can't let Starmer limp on until after the May elections – we need a replacement now to stem what could be disastrous losses for Labour."
Leadership Staff in Crisis
The political turmoil extends to Starmer's inner circle, with insiders revealing that his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney is on the brink of resigning. McSweeney faces blame from Labour MPs for allegedly "forcing" the Prime Minister to appoint Peter Mandelson, a friend of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as US ambassador in 2024. Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald is also reportedly considering resignation.
A political source commented: "Morgan going would offer the MPs a sacrifice to try to atone for this disaster. But could Keir survive without him? They should really depart as a package." This staffing crisis compounds the leadership uncertainty gripping the Labour Party at a critical juncture.
Strategic Benefits for Leadership Contenders
The proposed caretaker arrangement offers strategic advantages to all three main leadership contenders, each of whom has reasons to delay a challenge for the top job. For Deputy Leader Angela Rayner, the interim period would allow HMRC time to complete its lengthy investigation into her tax affairs, potentially "lifting a shadow" over her leadership ambitions.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham would gain a second chance to secure a Commons seat, without which he cannot succeed Sir Keir. Burnham, previously blocked from standing in Gorton and Denton by Labour's National Executive Committee, hopes the deteriorating party mood might convince the NEC to allow him to stand as Labour's potential "saviour."
Health Secretary Wes Streeting would benefit from additional time to distance himself from his perceived closeness to Mandelson, who has long been regarded as his political mentor. Streeting's backers have accused Rayner allies of exaggerating his connections to the disgraced former Labour grandee.
Rayner's Strategic Wardrobe Transformation
Meanwhile, Angela Rayner has undergone a noticeable style transformation that political observers interpret as preparation for a potential leadership bid. The former deputy prime minister has shifted from bold, colorful ensembles to more demure mauve outfits with sharp tailoring, suggesting a strategic rebranding.
This wardrobe evolution coincides with Rayner's recent dinner with PR supremo Matthew Freud, leading to speculation about image consultancy. Her new look, characterized by tailored confidence and controlled color, appears designed to project prime ministerial qualities while retaining personality and polish.
Internal Conflict and Leadership Speculation
The leadership crisis has plunged Labour into internal conflict, with supporters of Rayner and Streeting already engaged in what one MP described as a "briefing war." One Labour MP warned: "Given the briefing war that's already broken out between Rayner and Streeting, there wouldn't be just blood on the walls in a full-on contest – it'd be all over the floor and ceiling, too. And that would only make us lose more seats in May."
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has emerged as another potential contender, with some MPs suggesting he is waiting "like a patient spider in the web" for other candidates to falter. Miliband's potential appeal includes the possibility of an election deal with the Greens to unite the Left vote and prevent Nigel Farage's Reform party from gaining power.
Tax Investigation Complications
Angela Rayner faces additional complications from HMRC's investigation into stamp duty payments on her £800,000 flat in Hove. While some allies claim she is "off the hook" and could be cleared on technical grounds, they allege the exoneration hasn't been announced because HMRC doesn't want to repay millions to others who paid similar second-home surcharges.
Rayner left the Cabinet after admitting she hadn't paid an extra £40,000 required for a second home, and her leadership prospects are widely thought to hinge on the investigation's outcome. The delay in resolution adds another layer of uncertainty to Labour's leadership crisis.
Broader Political Implications
The proposed caretaker plan would see an interim leader steer Labour through the May local elections before overseeing a full-scale party leadership contest in summer. The new leader would then take over at Labour's annual conference in autumn, providing what supporters describe as much-needed stability to a government in turmoil.
As one Labour MP summarized the situation: "The idea is now being discussed actively by Labour MPs. We need a replacement now to stem what could be disastrous losses for Labour. But equally, we can't have a full-scale election for leader between now and May." The coming weeks will determine whether this extraordinary solution gains sufficient support to reshape Labour's leadership and electoral prospects.
