David, I was referring to the Labour MPs who joined the Tories in asking for a Privileges Committee referral. The larger number who now want him to go are a mixed bunch who want a variety of different things — the Corbynites want a more left wing government and even Andy Burnham may not suit them and they'll probably end up supporting Angela Rayner. The Streetingites want a more right wing government. The vast majority of Labour MPs recognise that Starmer remains the best option and the time for change is if he looks a dead racing cert to lose the next election in a couple of years time. Even Fleur Anderson, who has reason to dislike Starmer over her ousting from the Northern Ireland office recognises this fact.
The psychodrama will resume if Burnham wins the Makerfield election but even then I would assume the lesson of the last few days is that any succession needs to be arranged behind closed doors. Burnham is sensible enough to recognise with the fiscal constraints and uncertain global environment any government is not going to be a good news government and his best option is to bide his time until as close as possible to the next general election.
Barry Elms ● 7d