Labour MPs are reportedly discussing the possibility of replacing Sir Keir Starmer, despite the prime minister attempting to restore party unity by welcoming rebellious backbenchers back into the fold. The conversations come amid growing unease over the party’s declining poll ratings and fears that the government may break its manifesto pledge not to raise income tax in order to address a shortfall in the public finances. Concerns are emerging less than 18 months after Labour’s landslide victory, with MPs, ministers and party strategists noting a sharp rise in private discussions about the direction of the government.
++ High-fibre diet may prevent and reverse sugar-related liver disease
The warnings follow a recent More in Common poll placing Labour in third, behind both Reform UK and the Conservatives, with the party falling to just 18 per cent support. Some ministers have reportedly begun talking about “the who and the how and the when” of a potential leadership change, while several backbenchers have accused Sir Keir of being out of touch with rising frustration inside the parliamentary Labour Party. Discontent has also been fuelled by the decision to break key manifesto commitments, concerns over the handling of reshuffles, and frustration with figures close to the prime minister.
Efforts to reinforce party unity saw Labour restore the whip to four MPs who had previously rebelled against proposed reforms to disability benefits. Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman and Rachael Maskell were re-admitted after discussions with the chief whip. Yet the government continues to face multiple challenges, including scrutiny of culture secretary Lisa Nandy over an undeclared donation, calls for investigations into donations received by Sir Keir himself, and criticism of deputy prime minister David Lammy’s handling of a mistaken prisoner release.
++ State Pension to rise by 4.8% from April 2026
Adding to internal pressures, newly elected deputy leader Lucy Powell has warned the government against raising taxes in the forthcoming Budget, arguing that breaking the manifesto promise on income tax, national insurance or VAT risks further undermining public trust. The turbulence comes after the dismissal of Britain’s ambassador to the US over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, prompting renewed questions about the prime minister’s judgement. Several Labour MPs, including Richard Burgon, Clive Lewis and Graham Stringer, have openly cautioned that Sir Keir could be forced out if the government fails to regain stability and electoral confidence in the months ahead.
