More than 50 backbenchers have now called for Sir Keir Starmer to resign, despite his rousing rallying cry for unity this morning. But the big question now is which, if any, of Labour’s big beasts will make a move against their dear leader.
While cabinet contenders bide time, Mr S is told that ministers on the lower rungs of government are now bracing to resign, possibly as early as today. Although swathes of the Labour great and good have had enough of the prime minister, there remains considerable fear about taking a leap outside the government tent, only for it to backfire and scupper hopes of a top job in future.
That said, there is still a sizeable contingent of backbenchers who are desperate to keep Sir Keir in post. This is not because they are especially fond of the man, but because they cannot bear the prospect of a leadership contest in which the party turns inward and talks about itself while the country continues along a path of decline. There is also understandable concern about how the financial markets might react to such a move.
One Labour MP said: ‘In all seriousness, this madness must stop.’
Much as they may wish otherwise, the herd is now well and truly on the move. More backbenchers are expected to declare their disapproval of Downing Street this evening. And one well-placed government source remarked that ‘I wouldn’t be surprised’ if ministers started joining in at any moment.
‘Progress’, a centre-left conference scheduled for this weekend is making preparations to rip up its agenda and facilitate a hustings if need be. Wes Streeting is currently scheduled to speak at the event, but all contenders will be invited to make their pitch if everything explodes for the prime minister beforehand.
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