Labour MPs Press Starmer to Quit as Party Reels from Local Election Losses

Supporters of Sir Keir Starmer inside the Labour Party admit one speech cannot fix everything.

Still, the Prime Minister must use his address tomorrow to soothe a party gripped by pain and worry. Many Labour MPs spent the weekend surveying the political wreckage in their areas. Friends and colleagues lost seats in local and devolved governments. Emotions run high, and anger simmers.

Over the past few days, Labour MPs have publicly called one after another for Starmer to step down. It carries weight when any MP breaks ranks to demand their leader's exit. Those who have done so represent only a small share of Labour's total MPs. Starmer's name topped the ticket when many won their seats for the first time, often in places where Labour seldom prevails. To now declare him a failure takes guts.

Potential challengers feel the pressure too as they ponder whether, if and when to act. Timing matters: nail it, and the top job awaits. Botch it, and the shot at Prime Minister vanishes.

Most Labour MPs stay quiet. They want no leadership fight now and hope Starmer hangs on.

Others back Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, as the next leader. They oppose a contest because he first needs a Westminster seat. Officials blocked him from running just months ago.

Reactions to tomorrow's speech will tell. Will Labour MPs Catherine West, a former minister ready to challenge Starmer and spark a contest, stand down or push forward? Will anguish swell and make his post untenable, luring a challenger?

Health Secretary Wes Streeting faces a tough choice soon. He vows not to challenge Starmer but will pitch himself for Prime Minister if Starmer looks done. Allies say this could be his prime opening, ahead of Burnham's return to Parliament.

Starmer shows no sign of leaving. Ousting a Prime Minister who wants to stay proves hard.