Keir Starmer has been rocked by the resignation of two senior aides in the last 24 hours as his premiership lies in deep trouble, reports BritPanorama.
The Prime Minister was already under intense pressure after giving Lord Mandelson the US Ambassador job – despite knowing he still had a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Speculation mounts that his leadership could be nearing its end as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar calls for him to resign.
In a show of support for Starmer, Cabinet members have produced a series of coordinated social media posts rallying behind him during this challenging time.
Yet the situation presents a critical juncture, with tensions rising just 19 months after Starmer secured a landslide election victory.
1 – Sir Keir could just resign and walk away from the job
The results of the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-elections, as well as elections in May, could prove pivotal in determining his leadership future.
It is anticipated that Labour may lose the Manchester by-election to either Reform or the Green Party.
With elections looming across England, Wales, and Scotland, the implications could be dire, signalling the end of Starmer’s tenure.
2 – The Cabinet could decide his future for him
Senior Cabinet colleagues may voice the need for new leadership, putting further pressure on Starmer.
Calls for his resignation may carry weight if influential figures such as David Lammy, Yvette Cooper, or Shabana Mahmood demand it.
A potential scenario could unfold where a Cabinet member resigns, triggering a mass exodus from his top team.
3 – A leadership contender could throw the contest wide open
To challenge for leadership, a contender would require the backing of 80 party members, constituting a fifth of the party.
Unlike the Conservative leadership contest, where backing can be submitted anonymously, Labour’s candidates must reveal their supporters publicly.
4 – Vote of no confidence fight
The Prime Minister might face a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons.
The leader of the Opposition, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, can initiate such a vote, stating that the Commons has lost confidence in his government.
The last time such a motion successfully toppled a government was in 1979 against James Callaghan’s minority administration.
5 – Sir Keir could just limp on
Starmer may find himself in a position where he endures amidst poor polling and party discord.
It’s possible leadership challengers may not gather sufficient support to unseat him, even following any unfavourable results from the May elections.
Angela Rayner’s ambitions could be hampered by the ongoing HMRC probe into her tax affairs, while Wes Streeting could face scrutiny regarding his connections to Lord Mandelson.
In this context, the unpopular Prime Minister might remain until the next General Election, which must occur no later than August 2029.
The unfolding events around Starmer’s leadership highlight the fragility of political power and the impact of decisions on party cohesion and electoral viability.
