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‘They all think Keir is done’: how push to protect Starmer’s job backfired spectacularly
The Guardian ^ | Fri 14 Nov 2025 | Eleni Courea and Pippa Crerar

Posted on 11/14/2025 1:56:39 PM PST by MinorityRepublican

If there’s one thing the Labour party can agree on this week, it is that efforts by Keir Starmer’s allies to shore up his position backfired spectacularly.

By briefing journalists that he would face down any challenge and accusing Wes Streeting of leading an advanced plot to overthrow him, figures around the prime minister managed only to expose the weakness of his position.

The sharks were already circling – there is no shortage of senior Labour politicians convinced they can do a better job of running the country. And the botched briefing operation on Tuesday night was proof to many MPs that Starmer is leading an ineffectual No 10 operation careering towards a crushing defeat in Scotland, Wales and English local councils next May.

This impression solidified on Friday when Downing Street ripped up its carefully trailed plans to increase income tax in the budget – a move seen by others in government as the latest “panicked” attempt to protect Starmer’s position.

“MPs from a whole bunch of factions and camps, many once loyal, are all now talking with each other, they all think Keir is done, and are prepared to take risks together to get a more talented alternative,” one minister said. “Wherever it ends up, MPs’ resolve to get there in a coordinated way has only hardened.”

But even those in the parliamentary Labour party (PLP) who agree that removing Starmer is necessary are divided on who should replace him. Backbenchers say that overtures from would be candidates have stepped up ahead of the budget. “There have been a number of people jostling in the last six to eight weeks,” one said.

(Excerpt) Read more at theguardian.com ...


TOPICS: United Kingdom
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1 posted on 11/14/2025 1:56:39 PM PST by MinorityRepublican
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To: MinorityRepublican
If there’s one thing the Labour party can agree on this week, it is that efforts by Keir Starmer’s allies to shore up his position backfired spectacularly.

Well...Starmer isn't the main problem. It is their party's policies he is enacting. He's just the vessel.

2 posted on 11/14/2025 2:34:12 PM PST by Republican Wildcat
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To: MinorityRepublican

Labour winning by a fluke with less than 34% of the vote is proving to be a poisoned chalice. In theory with 411 seats Labour should unassailable. Instead, barely a year into this Government, it is hugely unpopular and we are looking at what appears to be a serious leadership challenge. This is, I think unprecedented. Instead of a normal Government implementing its program, we are being treated to manureshow of epic proportions…


3 posted on 11/14/2025 2:57:03 PM PST by GreenLanternCorps (Hi! I'm the Dread Pirate Roberts! (TM) Ask about franchise opportunities in your area.)
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To: Republican Wildcat

True


4 posted on 11/14/2025 4:58:39 PM PST by Bigg Red ( Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.)
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To: MinorityRepublican

Starmer is radioactive.


5 posted on 11/14/2025 7:16:14 PM PST by SharpRightTurn (“Giving money & power to government is like giving whiskey & car keys to teenage boys” P.J. O'Rourke)
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To: SharpRightTurn

Starmers problem is that he’s given over to the anti-Christ spirit and doesn’t care who knows it.

That evil spirit is usually more subtle.


6 posted on 11/14/2025 7:47:18 PM PST by captmar-vell
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