Allies of the Prime Minister have suggested that Keir Starmer could face a fresh General Election if a significant number of Labour MPs were to successfully engineer a leadership coup against him. This assertion stems from the view that any new leader, even one with considerable internal backing, would require a public mandate to govern effectively. Labour rules stipulate that 20 percent of the parliamentary party, equating to 81 MPs, must support a challenger for a formal leadership contest to be initiated. However, there is no legal obligation for a general election to be called when a new Prime Minister takes office, as demonstrated by previous transitions of power.
Sources indicate a belief that in the current political climate, the public would strongly oppose the notion of a new leader being installed without their direct say. This sentiment is presented as a cautionary note for any Labour MP considering an attempt to unseat Keir Starmer. Nigel Farage of Reform UK has also voiced the opinion that the country would benefit from an earlier general election, given his assessment of the current government's perceived instability.
Separately, the article mentions two incidents of alleged vandalism targeting Reform UK, one in London and another in Wales. In London, the words "death to Farage" were found scrawled on a wall, and the Metropolitan Police are reportedly investigating. In Wales, a Reform UK wreath placed for Remembrance Sunday was vandalized shortly after being laid. A party spokesperson condemned such behavior, stating it has no place in politics and urging other parties to be more vocal in their condemnation.
Additionally, the article touches upon a "briefing war" within Downing Street, where Sir Keir Starmer has apologized to Wes Streeting, his Health Secretary, after what were described as "completely unacceptable" hostile briefings. Labour party chairwoman Anna Turley stated that Sir Keir would take action to prevent future incidents. Mr. Streeting had previously criticized the "toxic culture" withi... download the app to read more
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