Labour civil war erupts as MP breaks ranks calling for Keir Starmer to be replaced | Politics | News
Labor MP Clive Lewis became the first MP to call for Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to replace Keir Starmer. The Norwich South MP had previously called for Starmer to stand down but has now gone further and backed Burnham.
Speaking to Channel 4, Mr Lewis said: “As the Prime Minister once said, we have to do what puts country before party. And frankly, we have to put party before personal ambition. “I don’t see how this can falter without any solution on the horizon.
“And I think the Labor Party, the Labor leaders, the men in the gray suits, are now thinking really seriously about how we can get Andy Burnham back into the parliamentary Labor Party and let him be the next Prime Minister. That’s my personal view. I know it won’t be shared by everyone, but I don’t see any other option.”
As reported by Daily MailMr Burnham has not yet commented on the remarks, which come less than two weeks before Chancellor Rachel Reeves approves the Autumn Budget.
Mr Lewis called for Starmer to leave office on September 12. He told the BBC’s The Week In Westminster program that the Prime Minister “felt he was losing control”. He added that he was “appalled” by the idea that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was “eight points ahead of us”.
He added: “This frightens my constituents and it frightens a lot of people in this country. I’m sorry we can’t afford to continue like this with someone who I increasingly think is unfit for the job.”
His latest comments come just days after Starmer held talks over the bitter briefing war that has erupted in Downing Street. The Prime Minister told his senior team that attacks on cabinet ministers were “completely unacceptable”.
Health secretary Wes Streeting criticized the “toix culture” in the party following anonymous briefings accusing him of plotting to unseat Starmer. A spokesman for the Prime Minister said it was “assured that no No 10 staff briefed ministers and made clear the high standards he expects from staff”.
Responding to broadcasters, Mr Streeting said: “One of the great things about being here in the North West today is that you can leave all that stupid Westminster soap opera stuff behind you.”
However, he was not keen on discussing the future of Starmer’s deputy, Morgan McSweeney, who some blame for this incident. Streeting said: “I’m sure Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer and everyone else are absolutely delighted with the news that NHS waiting lists have fallen today.”
The dispute has led to speculation about whether Starmer will contest the next election as Labor leader. Andy Burnham’s name continues to surface and he was accused of being a candidate for the job ahead of the party conference earlier this year.
