Keir Starmer’s allies launch a last-minute effort to save him. (Image: Getty.)
After hours of radio silence, Keir Starmer’s cabinet colleagues and ministerial colleagues have launched a last-ditch effort to save the prime minister. Until now, the prime minister’s top aides have been surprisingly quiet despite Sir Keir fighting for his political life. However, a speech by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar calling for the Prime Minister to resign has sparked a concerted fightback from cabinet members.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was the first to come out publicly, tweeting: “Keir Starmer won a massive five-year mandate 18 months ago to deliver on the Labour manifesto we all stood for. ” We must not let anything distract us from our mission to transform Britain and we support the Prime Minister in doing so.”
Read more: The first knife has entered Starmer’s back – now he will not survive
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Anas Sarwar has said that Starmer should go (Image: Getty)
It has been followed by the defence secretary, the chancellor, the local government secretary, the chief secretary, the minister for EU relations, the education secretary, and the transport secretary.
Rachel Reeves said, “Rebuilding Britain takes time. But because of the decisions we have made, NHS waiting lists are falling. Inflation is falling. Interest rates are falling. The conditions are there for the economy to grow.”
“With Keir as our prime minister, we are transforming the country.”
Transportation Secretary Heidi Alexander bluntly rebuked Anas Sarwar, saying she respects him “but he’s wrong.”
“Kiir led our party to victory in the general election 18 months ago and he is the right man for the job under difficult circumstances. The public wants us to fix the country’s problems, not focus on ourselves.”
Wes Streeting eventually released a heartfelt statement via Sky News’ Electoral Dysfunction podcast, telling Beth Rigby that while the current atmosphere in Westminster is “feverous”, Keir Starmer “doesn’t need to resign”.
“This has not been the best week for the government…give Kiir a chance,” he said.
McSweeney’s resignation yesterday created the biggest crisis for the Prime Minister so far (Image: Getty)
Notably, neither Ed Miliband nor Angela Rayner immediately tweeted their support.
Speaking in Edinburgh, Anas Sarwar said his message was not an easy one, given he has a “genuine friendship” with Sir Keir.
However, his first priority is Scotland, and the Prime Minister now risks sacrificing the country for a third decade of SNP rule.
“So there needs to be a diversion, and there needs to be a change of leadership in Downing Street… We cannot let the failures at the heart of Downing Street mean that there continue to be failures in Scotland too.”
“I have to be honest about where I see failings – the situation in Downing Street is not good enough. There have been too many mistakes. They promised they would be different, but too much has happened.”
“Keir Starmer is a decent man, and it’s no secret that I have always got along well with him and he has dedicated his life to public service.
“The people of Scotland are demanding a capable government… they want to see leaders who put the national interest ahead of their own.”
