Labour MPs ‘already discussing removing Keir Starmer’ as anger grows over blunders | Politics | News

After a disastrous start to his Premiership, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour MPs are now discussing the previously unthinkable prospect of axing the Prime Minister, insiders have said.

Sir Keir Starmer’s initial months in Number 10 have been marked by enormous turbulence, with his government grappling with significant challenges on both the domestic and international fronts.

Domestically, Sir Keir has faced criticism for perceived indecisiveness and a lack of clear direction, particularly in addressing the cost-of-living crisis.

He has also been savaged for means-testing the winter fuel payment for pensioners, reducing the threshold at which farmers must start paying inheritance tax and most recently for ruling out spending £10bn compensating Waspi women hit by government rule changes which came into force in 2015.

So seriously are some Labour heavyweights taking the situation that they are even considering the possibility of ditching Sir Keir completely, less than six months on from a landslide election victory which saw the party win a record 411 seats, claimed Mail on Sunday columnist Dan Hodges.

He quoted one Cabinet minister as saying: “There are two big events coming up next year.

“In May, the local elections. And then, soon after, we’ll have the first anniversary of our victory.

“At that moment, people will look back, reflect and ask themselves, ‘What have we done with our first year?’

Asked for the answer, they said: “Oh God! Time is already running out to change things!”

A second minister suggested Sir Keir himself may have to carry the can, explaining: “In the beginning, everyone was pointing at Sue Gray, Starmer’s former chief of staff, who was sacked in October, and saying No 10 was completely dysfunctional.

“But now it’s functioning OK. Keir’s got good people around him. So if you’ve got a good squad and the team keeps getting thumped 5-0, what do you do? You have no choice but to point the finger at the manager.”

Meanwhile a Labour MP appeared to set out the possible alternatives, saying: “If you look around the Cabinet, Wes Streeting is more articulate and ambitious. Yvette Cooper is more focused on detail and delivery.

“Rachel Reeves understands the party better. Bridget Phillipson has a better policy vision. Pat McFadden is a better political manager. Angela Rayner connects more with our key voters. So what box does Keir actually tick?”

Meanwhile a second MP pinpointed the dire risk they believe Nigel Farage’s Reform poses for Labour.

They explained: “People keep saying there’s going to be a Reform breakthrough. Well, if you come out on the doorsteps in my patch, they’ve already broken through.

“The question is whether we can beat them back. And whether Keir is the man to beat them back.”

In addition to policy criticisms, Sir Keir himself has faced scrutiny over his leadership style and communication. Critics have described him as overly technocratic and uninspiring, struggling to connect with voters on a personal level.

His decision to pack his Cabinet with loyalists rather than figures representing Labour’s broader ideological spectrum has also drawn fire, particularly from the party’s left wing, which feels marginalised.

The prospect of a Labour rebellion was similarly highlighted by ITV journalist Robert Peston during his show last week, when he said: “I am literally staggered by the number of very senior Labour people, including members of the cabinet, who talk openly about Starmer not leading them into the next election.

“It’s a massive talking point.”

“There are lot of individuals at the highest level who have lost confidence.”