More than 100 Labour MPs have publicly declared their unwavering support for Sir Keir Starmer, signing a letter that emphatically states “this is no time for a leadership contest” and calls on the party to concentrate its efforts on rebuilding trust with the electorate.
This significant show of unity emerges as Labour grapples with profound internal divisions, with at least 80 MPs expressing a desire for the party leader to step down in the wake of recent electoral disappointments.
A total of 112 Labour MPs have now formally pledged their backing to Sir Keir, asserting the critical need for collective action and a unified front “to deliver the change the country needs.”
Their intervention comes at a crucial juncture for the party, which has seen its standing questioned after a series of challenging results at the ballot box.
The letter, circulated among the parliamentary party, directly addresses these setbacks and the path forward, aiming to quell dissent and foster cohesion.
It reads: “Last week we had a devastatingly tough set of election results. It shows we have a hard job ahead to win back trust from the electorate. That job needs to start today – with all of us working together to deliver the change the country needs. We must focus on that. This is no time for a leadership contest.”
The letter comes at a time when pressure is mounting on Starmer, amid speculation of a leadership challenge.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who is widely seen as a leadership hopeful, is expected to meet Starmer on Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has given Starmer his full backing.
He told reporters outside Downing Street on Tuesday: “(The Prime Minister) was elected just under two years ago with a mandate from the British people for five years.
“He has my full support, and what I say to colleagues is, look, let’s just step back. Take a breath.”
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