Recent interviews and statements from senior Labour figures signal growing doubts about Keir Starmer’s future as Prime Minister. A key moment came during Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s appearance on GMB with Susanna Reid, where he conceded that Peter Mandelson’s appointment was inappropriate.
Miliband leaned forward and acknowledged, ‘Yeah, it’s a fair point. He shouldn’t have been appointed. That is right.’
Public Distancing by Key Ministers
This marks a shift from earlier solidarity. In February, when Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar first called for Starmer to step down, ministers rallied in support on social media. Now, they are publicly stepping back.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander broke ranks on Monday, stating there are ‘no certainties’ about Starmer leading Labour into the general election.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper later distanced herself from Starmer’s push for a diplomatic role for former communications director Matthew Doyle, who has ties to a convicted paedophile, without informing her predecessor David Lammy. Cooper expressed concern, saying, ‘I am, of course, extremely concerned at any suggestion that the permanent secretary or permanent under-secretary of the Foreign Office would be told not to inform the Foreign Secretary. As for the case that the honourable Member raised, I can confirm that it would also not have been an appropriate appointment.’
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, often seen as a steadying influence, declined to back Starmer’s dismissal of Sir Olly Robbins, noting cryptically, ‘I think very highly of him.’
Private Sentiments and Mood Shift
Behind closed doors, Cabinet members including David Lammy, Shabana Mahmood, Wes Streeting, and Rachel Reeves have voiced criticism of the Robbins sacking through leaks. Sources indicate the past 72 hours have accelerated a change in Labour’s internal dynamics.
One Cabinet minister observed, ‘It’s moving. People now recognise something is going to have to happen relatively quickly after the local elections. The discussions now are about finding a way for Keir to leave in a dignified way, and in a manner that isn’t messy and splits the party.’
Another added, ‘Before Iran, the sense was that people would have to act after the local elections. Then Iran happened, and views shifted a bit. But now it’s hardened up again. The feeling is basically that this is not going to end. Keir can’t get out from under this. We need to draw a line.’
Perceptions have soured further over the Robbins issue and Mandelson revelations, with some senior figures now viewing Starmer’s leadership capabilities critically. Hopes that the Iran situation could rally support have faded, as domestic concerns like immigration dominate voter discussions.
Two Scenarios Under Consideration
Ministers are evaluating two paths forward. The first involves a swift transition to a caretaker leader from the Cabinet, such as John Healey, Pat McFadden, Hilary Benn, Yvette Cooper, or Bridget Phillipson, with parliamentary party approval.
The second option sees Starmer remain until Labour’s September conference, allowing campaigns by figures like Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband, and potentially Andy Burnham to gain traction while giving members a role in the process.
Downing Street’s earlier plan for a relaunch post-local elections has been abandoned amid ongoing document releases. One minister noted, ‘He’s too weak now. They’re just trying to see if they can survive a day at a time.’
With local elections looming as a likely setback for Labour, sources anticipate decisive action soon to address the leadership vacuum.
