New blow for Keir Starmer as betting suspended on him passing key milestone | Politics | News
Sir Keir Starmer has been dealt a fresh blow with betting on him suspended until the next general election. William Kedjanyi, political betting analyst Star SportsHe said: “It’s all over for Keir Starmer according to the betting markets. We have suspended betting on whether Starmer will be able to contest the next General Election as his chances continue to decline significantly over the last 24 hours.
He then listed his possible successors. Mr Kedjanyi added: “The big story in terms of a possible successor is Angela Rayner – the former Deputy Prime Minister has strengthened at the top of the market and will now replace 9/4 Starmer (from 13/5), while Ed Miliband will shorten to 6/1 (from 13/2). Conversely, Wes Streeting (11/2) is drifting.”
“Andy Burnham’s opportunity to replace Starmer may well have passed as he was prevented from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-elections, but he remains in contention at 10/1 (up from 12/1).”
He also noted odds expert Alistair Cairns as one to watch. MP, currently at 12/1 from 40/1, is the biggest mover of the last two weeks.
It comes as Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar said how his “friend” Sir Keir’s call for him to step down as Prime Minister earlier today had caused him “personal harm and pain”.
At a press conference in Glasgow on Monday, Mr Sarwar declared “too many mistakes” had been made in Downing Street and called for the Prime Minister’s resignation.
Scottish Labor MP and UK Government Minister Ian Murray insisted it was “wrong” for Mr Sarwar to call for the Prime Minister’s resignation.
Posting on social media, Mr Murray said: “When the public wants a government on their side in the fight against the cost of living, the last thing we need is more chaos.
“We have inherited an economy and public services that have failed badly. This takes time to recover and Keir deserves that time.
“I am sorry and deeply disappointed that Anas was at fault here.”
Sir Keir’s Cabinet also came to his defence.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “Keir Starmer is one of four Labor leaders to have ever won a general election.
“He has a clear five-year mandate from the British people to deliver change and that is what he will do.”
