Keir Starmer Confronts Critical Labour Showdown Following Top Aide's Resignation
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing for a make-or-break confrontation with Labour MPs on Monday evening, as he battles to secure his political future amidst escalating turmoil at the heart of government. The crisis has intensified following the sudden resignation of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who stepped down on Sunday afternoon.
Departure of Key Ally Sparks Political Firestorm
Morgan McSweeney, who has served as the Prime Minister's top advisor since October 2024, announced his resignation, stating it was "the honourable thing to do" after advising Starmer to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington. This departure represents a significant blow to Starmer's administration, removing one of his most trusted behind-the-scenes allies at a precarious moment.
The Prime Minister is expected to address a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP), where he will warn MPs that a leadership contest would be disastrous for both the party and the country. He plans to appeal for calm and highlight the positive achievements Labour has delivered since taking office.
Growing Calls for Leadership Change
Despite Starmer's efforts to stabilize the situation, several prominent Labour figures have publicly called for his resignation. Left-wing MPs including Brian Leishman, Ian Byrne, and Kim Johnson have demanded that the Prime Minister "follow McSweeney's lead" and step down. Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne posted on social media that McSweeney had overseen "the erosion of internal democracy and the normalisation of a deeply damaging factionalism."
Union leaders have added to the pressure, with Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright and Transport Salaried Staffs' Association general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust both urging Starmer to resign. Eslamdoust warned, "There's no case for waiting until May, given the scale of defeat we are facing at these critical elections. It's time to elect a new leader."
Supporters Rally Behind Embattled Prime Minister
However, Starmer retains significant support within the party. Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith expressed hope that the Prime Minister would still be in charge a year from now, stating, "I think the last thing that the country or the party could do with at the moment is a lengthy leadership campaign." Backbencher Natalie Fleet reported receiving messages from colleagues who "feel very strongly that he should stay" and urged Starmer to "double down" on his leadership.
Labour MP John Slinger publicly defended the Prime Minister, rejecting calls for his resignation. Slinger noted, "I have been approached in the street by constituents telling me they heard me on the radio and totally agree. I have had CEOs of companies message me to say they agree." He emphasized that "the last thing the country needs is leadership speculations" and called for continued support for Starmer.
Mandelson Appointment Fuels Ongoing Controversy
The crisis centers on the appointment of former peer Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, which has sparked fierce criticism. Prime Minister Starmer has accused Mandelson of betraying Britain and lying to secure the position. In the coming days, thousands of emails, messages, and documents related to the appointment are expected to be released, potentially fueling further controversy.
Brian Leishman, MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, argued on social media that McSweeney was "at the heart of the political mistakes made since the general election" and helped create damaging factionalism within Labour. He suggested the country and party would be better off following his departure.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes remain on Monday evening's crucial meeting, which could determine whether Keir Starmer can weather this storm or faces mounting pressure to relinquish leadership of the Labour Party and the government.
