One of the last true believers, Pat McFadden, was sent out to defend Keir Starmer on Wednesday morning's media round. The secretary of state for work and pensions, along with Steve Reed, remains a staunch supporter of the prime minister.
Starmer's low profile defended
McFadden argued that Starmer had been extremely busy running the country, coordinating a national antisemitism response and dealing with fallout from the Iran war. He claimed it would have been a dereliction of duty for Starmer to take time out for campaign appearances.
"Whatever happens on Thursday, the prime minister will be going nowhere on Friday. Or Saturday. Or Sunday," McFadden said. Starmer is determined to see his five-year term through, even if that is not what the country or the Labour party wants.
Loyalty in the ranks
McFadden dismissed talk of moves against Starmer, insisting everyone is right behind him. He mentioned Wes Streeting, who reportedly phoned Starmer to deny plotting a coup, and Angela Rayner, who apologised for supporting a Tory humble address. Andy Burnham's inquiries about MPs becoming life peers were also played down as caring gestures.
"We have tested to destruction the idea of continually swiping left on our prime ministers," McFadden said, arguing that the country voted for Starmer and should give him a fair chance. He suggested that voters saying Starmer is unpopular do not necessarily mean he should go.
McFadden concluded that anyone who comes for Starmer will have to come for him first. The prime minister's fate remains in his own hands, as long as the Labour party also wants him to stay.
