Cabinet ministers warn mutinous MPs about trying to oust Keir Starmer
Cabinet ministers have warned Labour MPs against attempting to oust Keir Starmer following poor local election results, cautioning that such moves could cause significant party chaos. Despite growing discontent among backbenchers and speculation about potential successors, there is limited appetite within the cabinet for a leadership challenge. Ministers acknowledge Starmer's struggles with public approval but believe any move against him is premature and could have unintended consequences.
- ▪Cabinet ministers have cautioned mutinous Labour MPs that attempting to remove Keir Starmer could trigger chaos within the party.
- ▪Labour faces losing over 1,500 council seats, fueling anger among local politicians who blame the government's unpopularity.
- ▪While some ministers do not expect Starmer to lead into the next election, there is no coordinated cabinet effort to force his departure.
- ▪Potential successors like Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting, and Andy Burnham are seen as unlikely to initiate a challenge at this stage.
- ▪Downing Street has signaled Starmer would resist any ousting attempt and would only consider a reshuffle if ministers resigned post-election.
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‘It’s premature’: ministers caution about potential for unintended consequences of plots to remove Keir Starmer from No 10. Photograph: Thomas Krych/ZUMA Press Wire/ShutterstockView image in fullscreen‘It’s premature’: ministers caution about potential for unintended consequences of plots to remove Keir Starmer from No 10. Photograph: Thomas Krych/ZUMA Press Wire/ShutterstockKeir StarmerCabinet ministers warn mutinous MPs about trying to oust Keir StarmerLabour leadership challenge in wake of disastrous local poll results could unleash chaos in party, MPs toldPippa Crerar Political editorMon 4 May 2026 14.59 EDTLast modified on Mon 4 May 2026 15.56 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleCabinet ministers have told mutinous Labour MPs that any attempt to oust Keir Starmer after a potentially…
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