While a Labour leadership race is not yet technically underway, shadow campaigns have certainly begun. Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham have both made clear that they intend to make a run for the crown. And for now, Sir Keir Starmer is determined to press on despite his monumental unpopularity within the party.
Here is The Spectator’s rolling list of MPs who have publicly signalled support for a contender to take over – or remain in – the top job. It does not include backing for Andy Burnham solely to win the by-election, which every Labour politician will profess to support. This is specifically about those who have publicly stated their wholehearted preference for the occupant of No. 10, should a race formally begin.
Wes Streeting
- Rosie Wrighting – ‘Wes is a generational talent and it is with his leadership that we’ve seen the NHS on the road to recovery.’
- Dr Zubir Ahmed – ‘He’s answered the call to honesty, that the public asked us to do.’
- Peter Kyle – ‘Wes is legendary and a good, solid, courageous friend who is a talent that is much needed by this party.’
- Alex Davies-Jones
- Jess Phillips
- Joe Morris
- Catherine McKinnell
Andy Burnham
- Josh Simons – ‘I am standing aside so that Andy Burnham can return to his home, fight to re-enter Parliament, and if elected, drive the change our country is crying out for.’
- Luke Charters – ‘If Andy proves Labour can win, the populist right’s whole business model crumbles.’
- Lucy Powell
- Clive Lewis
- Paula Barker
Keir Starmer
- Steve Reed (Housing Secretary) – ‘We must unite behind the Prime Minister.’
- Mike Tapp – ‘There is no leadership contest – I back the Prime Minister. If there is – I back the Prime Minister.’
- David Lammy (Justice Secretary) – ‘Keir Starmer fought an election, won an historic majority 22 months ago. He is the most resilient person I know.’
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