Labour MPs Pressure Starmer to Quit After Election Losses as West Seeks Leadership Vote

Sir Keir Starmer's position as prime minister looks increasingly shaky as more Labour MPs demand his resignation following poor election results.

Starmer has pledged to continue and even hinted at serving two terms, but events may force his hand soon.

Catherine West, a Labour backbencher, surprised observers Saturday by saying she is ready to challenge Starmer for party leadership.

West holds low prominence in the party. Starmer appointed her to a junior role in the Foreign Office after Labour's 2024 election victory but dismissed her in last year's reshuffle.

She does not seek the top position herself. Instead, she expressed frustration that cabinet members, who have quietly prepared their own campaigns, hesitate to act after Thursday's polling defeats.

West requires support from 20 percent of Labour MPs, or 81 lawmakers, to start a leadership contest.

More than 30 Labour MPs have urged Starmer to resign, though not all may support West, with some questioning the timing.

Success for West would shift focus to Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, or other contenders for Number 10.

Streeting endorsed Starmer Friday without ruling out a run. Rayner has stayed silent this weekend.

If West secures 60 or 70 backers, it could prompt Streeting or Rayner to enter and signal party readiness for change.

Cabinet resignations might accelerate Starmer's exit, as occurred with the prior Conservative government.

Few backers for West could bolster Starmer temporarily. He could then assert party loyalty and deter rivals by showing MPs' private talk does not match their resolve.

Some MPs, including West, prefer Starmer to announce an exit timeline. This would sidestep a divisive contest amid the cost of living crisis.

Cabinet ministers might urge him to step aside for party unity, though agreeing on a successor without a vote seems improbable.

Starmer knows a timetable would weaken him into a lame-duck leader, sparking prolonged infighting.

Starmer could yet sway MPs with his Monday speech, the most critical of his career. A flop might end them altogether.

MPs seek acknowledgment of the party's troubles and a plan to improve voters' lives.

Last year, his conference address attacking Reform UK impressed many MPs despite prior difficulties.

West plans to assess the speech before collecting nomination letters.

On Wednesday, the King's Speech will outline forthcoming laws, including measures on energy costs and EU ties.

Starmer hopes to instill purpose, prompting MPs to back the leader of their landslide win under two years ago.

Alternatively, Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor with leadership aims, could return to Parliament and challenge Starmer.

Labour's National Executive Committee blocked Burnham earlier this year. Supporters expect reconsideration given party mood, but committee members told the BBC they would refuse again.

Starmer might simply resign on his own.