Labour MPs Reportedly Plotting to Oust Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Just the facts

Labour MPs Reportedly Plotting to Oust Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Summary

Reports suggest that Labour MPs are considering moves to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid concerns over party performance and policy decisions.

Labour MPs are reportedly discussing plans to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to recent reports. The i Paper indicates that these discussions have intensified in recent weeks, with some backbenchers expressing "outright hostility" towards Starmer's leadership. Concerns have been raised over the party's poll standings and potential deviations from manifesto commitments, such as the possibility of raising income tax.

In a related development, the Labour Party has reinstated the whip to four MPs—Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman, and Rachael Maskell—who had been suspended in July for opposing government welfare reform plans. This move follows discussions with Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds and aims to unify the party amid internal challenges.

Additionally, reports suggest that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been approached by Labour MPs to consider a leadership challenge. Burnham acknowledged that he has been contacted by colleagues but emphasized that any decision would be up to the party. He stated, "People have contacted me throughout the summer... I'm not going to say to you that that hasn't happened."

These developments occur as the Labour Party navigates internal dissent and seeks to maintain cohesion within its ranks.

Source

BBC

Fact-checking

Fact-check the facts of the article using external sources and databases.

✓
Confirmed

Labour MPs Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman, and Rachael Maskell were suspended in July 2025 for voting against the government's welfare reform bill.

✓
Confirmed

The Labour Party reinstated the whip to Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman, and Rachael Maskell on November 7, 2025.

✓
Confirmed

Rachael Maskell has been the MP for York since 2015.

✓
Confirmed

Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, and Brian Leishman were first elected as MPs in 2024.

Keep reading — for free

Create a free account to follow the news. No card required.