Catherine West Calls for Keir Starmer to Resign After Labour Election Losses
Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces intensified calls for his resignation after the party's recent electoral performance, leading backbench MP Catherine West to publicly challenge his leadership. Starmer, despite vowing to continue for two terms, may see the decision removed from his control as the situation within the party remains fluid.
West's Challenge and Potential Leadership Contest
Catherine West, a former junior Foreign Office minister dismissed by Starmer in a previous reshuffle, announced her preparedness to initiate a leadership contest. While she disclaims personal ambition for the top role, West expressed frustration with senior cabinet members' reluctance to launch bids following the recent electoral defeat. To formally trigger a contest, West requires the backing of 20% of the Parliamentary Labour Party, amounting to 81 MPs. Over 30 Labour MPs have publicly called for Starmer's departure; however, it remains uncertain if all would endorse West's immediate challenge, with some preferring a later contest.
Should West secure the necessary nominations, leading figures such as Wes Streeting or Angela Rayner, both considered potential successors, may be compelled to declare their intentions. Streeting has publicly supported the Prime Minister, though without ruling out a future challenge, while Rayner has maintained silence on the matter.
Alternative Scenarios for Starmer's Future
A failed challenge from West would likely consolidate Starmer's immediate position, allowing him to claim party support and deter other potential challengers. Conversely, a successful push could lead to a less formal, but equally impactful, intervention where senior cabinet ministers might collectively urge Starmer to stand aside, avoiding a divisive leadership contest. However, this scenario remains improbable, given Starmer's likely resistance to becoming a 'zombie prime minister' during a protracted departure.
Starmer is scheduled to deliver a significant speech on Monday, which will be scrutinised for its capacity to address party anxieties and articulate a clear vision for the government's future. Following this, the King's Speech on Wednesday will outline the government's legislative agenda, including proposed policies on energy costs and closer ties with the EU. This period is critical for Starmer to re-energise his party and quell dissent.
A longer-term possibility involves Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham returning to Parliament to challenge Starmer. Burnham, whose previous attempts to secure a parliamentary seat were reportedly blocked by Labour's National Executive Committee, would need a sitting Labour MP to resign and trigger a by-election. This remains a highly speculative scenario, contingent on both a willing MP and Burnham securing the seat.
