Keir Starmer’s ‘safe’ as Labour leader due to ‘lack of unity’ over replacement, MPs suggest

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Keir Starmer’s immediate future as Labour leader could be “safe”, even if the party suffers another historical defeat at a crucial by-election, due to a lack of “unity” around any potential replacement, MPs have suggested. That’s why I think even if we lose Batley and Spen, Starmer can carry on.” Another MP on the left agreed there was a lack of unity around any potential candidate, but also suggested Sir Keir would be in a “dangerous” position if he lost the election, saying: “There will be a large number of MPs who will look at that result and think to themselves, ‘on the current trajectory I’m going to lose my seat’. “I think it’s also an example of failed leadership in the way he’s treating the members and I think that signals the final failure that should be sort of allowed as Labour leader.” Asked whether he believed Sir Keir should resign, he replied: “If they lose the by-election he should seriously consider his position and consider resigning. “The most difficult thing for any opposition at any time is always to get a hearing and, at the moment, it’s just almost incomparably difficult, and I think in the circumstances he’s doing extremely well.” Pressed for her thoughts on colleagues suggesting the possibility of a leadership contest, she replied: “If they have any real concerns for the welfare of the British people they should find better things to do with their time.” On the party’s prospects in the West Yorkshire seat, a Labour source admitted: “It’s very, very tough.