Keir Starmer should be replaced by ‘caretaker’ say Labour MPs – 2 options named | Politics | News
Desperate backbenchers are hopeful that the Prime Minister can be persuaded to step aside as a last resort to avert disaster after the Peter Mandelson scandal erupts once again. Some MPs, now fearful for their own seats, have told the media they expect Sir Keir’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, his closest adviser, to also fall on his sword.
The plotters told the Mail on Sunday they would want to see a new Prime Minister on an interim basis if Sir Keir followed their advice. They put forward Defense Secretary John Healey or Northern Ireland Secretary Hillary Benn as potential candidates.
A source told the Mail on Sunday: “Morgan leaving would offer MPs a sacrifice to make up for this disaster. But can Keir survive without him? They really should leave as a package.”
The so-called ‘caretaker’ package will see the ill-fated replacement PM carry the bag for the Gorton and Denton by-elections, followed by the May council elections, as well as oversee the leadership elections.
Backbench MPs reportedly believe this would be the best way to form a stable government and avoid a leadership race ahead of elections in May, where polls predict Labor will struggle to hold seats.
They also believe a delay would be the preferred option for three prospects who have their own reasons for wanting a delay.
Angela Rayner, who resigned as Deputy Prime Minister after incorrectly paying tax on her second home, would have more time to wrap up tax investigations, while Andy Burnham would have several months to try again in a Westminster seat.
Health Minister Wes Streeting, meanwhile, will have more time to distance himself from his relationship with Mandelson, for whom she was often photographed and for whom her husband once worked.
A senior Labor MP told the Mail on Sunday that “extraordinary times” required “extraordinary solutions”, adding: “We can’t let Starmer limp on until after the May election – we need a replacement now to stop what could be catastrophic losses for Labor. But equally, we can’t have a full-fledged leader election between now and May.”
The MP added: “Given the briefing war that has already broken out between Rayner and Streeting, in a full contest there wouldn’t just be blood on the walls – there would be blood everywhere and on the ceiling too. And that would only cause us to lose more seats in May. So yes, the idea is being actively discussed by Labor MPs now.”
