In a dramatic turn within the Labour Party, efforts to bolster Keir Starmer’s leadership have instead amplified calls for his removal.

 

A strategically released briefing accusing Wes Streeting of orchestrating a coup unintentionally exposed widespread doubts about Starmer’s authority and the competence of his operation at 10 Downing Street. 

 

Senior Labour MPs now view the prime minister as vulnerable, with some believing his position is irretrievably weakened ahead of key elections in Scotland, Wales and English local councils. Meanwhile internal manoeuvres for the next leadership have intensified. Streeting—once a clear favourite—and Shabana Mahmood, home secretary, are both being touted as potential successors, amid fears that veteran Andy Burnham might return to parliament and disrupt the contest. 

 

Though charisma plays a role, hard data paints a grim picture: Starmer’s approval ratings stand at -51, while MPs see Streeting, Mahmood and others as lacking broader public appeal. One MP summarised the mood bluntly: “They all think Keir is done.” The budget decisions currently being made by Number 10, including the abrupt reversal on income tax changes, are seen by party insiders as further evidence of panic and indecision rather than leadership strength. 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

The effort to protect Starmer backfired, heightening perceptions of weakness and disarray in Labour leadership.

 

A crowded field of potential successors is mobilising while the party is perceived to be in limbo.

 

A disastrous briefing and declining popularity metrics have amplified scepticism about Starmer’s viability as leader.

 

Adapted From 

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/nov/14/push-protect-keir-starmer-job-backfired-briefing-streeting-mcsweeney

Shabana Mahmood is pulling the strings and will soon be the first (but not the last or only) muslim Prime Minister (unelected) of the former Great Britain.

 

Britain is slaved. 

24 minutes ago, Gsxrnz said:

Shabana Mahmood is pulling the strings and will soon be the first (but not the last or only) muslim Prime Minister (unelected) of the former Great Britain.

 

Britain is slaved. 

 

Why not Sadiq Khan?  He'd be better than Mahmood (IMO).