Labour Leadership Contest Heats Up as MPs Seek Support Offers

The contest for leadership within the Labour Party is intensifying, with contenders reportedly offering government positions to secure support against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Former Labour MP Rosie Duffield, who now serves as an independent after resigning from the party last year, made the claims through social media, suggesting that some senior Labour MPs are actively seeking alliances.

Duffield stated on X that “very senior Labour MPs, some very recently ousted,” are enticing their colleagues with job offers in exchange for backing. She further alleged that some potential candidates are exploring safer parliamentary constituencies in anticipation of the upcoming general election, suggesting a strategic shift in their political careers.

The backdrop of Duffield’s comments includes the recent resignation of Angela Rayner from her role as Deputy Prime Minister due to a controversy surrounding a stamp duty bill. Similarly, Lucy Powell, now Deputy Labour Leader, was dismissed from her cabinet position during Starmer’s autumn reshuffle. Both are viewed as potential leadership candidates, alongside Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who has emerged as a frontrunner following speculation of a leadership challenge.

Calls for change within the party are becoming more vocal. Left-wing MP Clive Lewis has openly declared that Starmer’s leadership is “not tenable” and has advocated for Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, to step up as a viable candidate for Prime Minister. Lewis emphasized the urgency for Labour’s senior members to reconsider Burnham’s role within the party.

In response to the growing dissent, former Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett has urged Starmer to take decisive action within three months to avoid “serious consequences.” Blunkett highlighted the need for the Prime Minister to demonstrate effective leadership, stating, “If you don’t display in the next three months that you have got a grip…then something quite serious will erupt.”

Blunkett also recommended that Starmer reassess the role of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who has faced criticism for a recent communication mishap related to Streeting. He suggested that bringing in a more experienced figure, similar to Jonathan Powell, who served as chief of staff under former Prime Minister Tony Blair, could enhance the efficiency of Starmer’s office.

As the leadership dynamics shift, Labour MPs are speculating that Streeting’s path to the leadership could materialize shortly after this month’s budget, particularly as Rayner is still recovering from her recent exit. While Streeting has denied any intentions of plotting against Starmer, the undercurrents of competition within the party remain evident.

The political landscape within Labour is shifting rapidly, with several key figures positioning themselves for potential leadership roles as the party grapples with internal challenges and public scrutiny. The coming weeks will likely prove pivotal in determining the future trajectory of the Labour Party and its leadership.