Labour MPs plotting Blair-style coup of Starmer after local elections – report

Politics
5 May 2026 • 4:36 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Labour MPs plotting Blair-style coup of Starmer after local elections – report

  • Sir Keir Starmer is facing a plot by Labour backbenchers to oust him following anticipated disastrous local election results this week, according to a report in The Times.
  • MPs who won their seats in the 2024 election are said to be planning an open letter, reminiscent of one put to Sir Tony Blair in 2006, demanding Starmer set a date for his departure.
  • While a number of cabinet ministers are aware of the plot, none have reportedly joined the limited number of potential signatories.
  • Housing Minister Steve Reed urged MPs to stop the “psychodrama” and focus on delivering change, warning against “doomscrolling through leaders” like the Conservatives.
  • There have been rumblings of potential leadership challenges from figures such as Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, and Andy Burnham.

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