TSSA: Major union backs Rayner to replace Starmer if Labour fails in Gorton and Denton by-election
Sir Keir Starmer should resign as Labor leader if the party comes third in the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection, a leading union leader has said.
Transport Salaried Staff Association (TSSA) general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust publicly supported Angela Rayner replacing her; This is the first time a leader of one of Labour’s unions has openly supported an alternative to Sir Keir.
Ms Eslamdoust warned that a leadership fight could take place at the end of February, especially if Labor falls behind Reform UK and the Greens in the crucial by-election.
Ms Eslamdoust said: Daily Telegraph: “I think Keir will expire if we come third.”
Calling for a “broad range of candidates” in any leadership contest, he said: “I would like a woman to lead the Labor Party.”
Ms Eslamdoust described Ms Rayner as “trustworthy” and said the former deputy prime minister could show “real leadership” and “stand up” to US President Donald Trump.
He added: “She can speak in a way that resonates with workers, working-class communities and women.
“But he’s also strong. So when he had the unfortunate scandal, he showed leadership and resigned. It didn’t take hold, and that’s something I find admirable.”
Ms Rayner was forced to resign last year after it was revealed she had failed to pay £40,000 in stamp duty after selling her family home and could still face penalties from HMRC for unpaid tax.
But he is still being talked about as a potential leadership candidate if Sir Keir steps down, but Ms Rayner’s spokesman said there was “no competition and no vacancy”.
The spokesman added: “Angela was clear that Labor must come together, avoid distraction and work as a team to serve the public.”
With around 17,000 members, TSSA is one of Britain’s smallest unions but sits on Labour’s ruling national executive committee.
The union also criticized the recent decision to ban Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from applying to be the Labor candidate in Gorton and Denton, saying the party had “lost its way”.
Ms Eslamdoust’s comments came just days after Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar called on Sir Keir to resign amid the fallout from the Peter Mandelson scandal.
Sir Keir survived, the Cabinet unanimously backed him and Ms Rayner gave him her full backing, but his comments will increase the pressure he faces ahead of a by-election on February 26.
The Prime Minister vowed to continue, saying he was not ready to “walk away” from the country or his party’s fight against Reform UK.
