Starmer to say ‘incremental change won’t cut it’ in major make-or-break speech to avert leadership challenge – UK politics live
TL;DR
Keir Starmer is set to deliver a crucial speech addressing speculation about a Labour leadership contest, stating that 'incremental change won’t cut it.' Angela Rayner has effectively launched her own leadership manifesto, hinting at potential challenges to Starmer's position.
Key points
- Keir Starmer will deliver a major speech today.
- Angela Rayner has issued her own leadership manifesto.
- Starmer's speech emphasizes the need for significant change.
- Historical leadership challenges in Labour are referenced.
- The outcome of the current situation remains uncertain.
Mentioned in this story
From
Good morning. The news this morning is full of speculation about whether or not there will be a Labour leadership contest. A better way of explaining the situation might be to say that a leadership contest is already under way; Angela Rayner issued what was in effect her manifesto late yesterday afternoon (although she also hinted she would be happy for it to be delivered by Andy Burnham as leader), and Keir Starmer delivers what you could see as a hustings speech this morning.
Leaders can survive challenges. In 1995 John Major was widely seen as doomed, but Michael Portillo postponed a decision to stand against him, Major easily saw off a challenge from John Redwood (the Catherine West of his day, in some respects), and Major survived another two years. In 2016 the vast majority of Labour MPs voted no confidence in Jeremy Corbyn, but he survived (because he was adored by Labour members, a benefit that Starmer does not enjoy). In 2006 Tony Blair accepted he would have to go. But he was allowed to work his notice for a year; Gordon Brown and his allies were powerful enough to force him out, but not to force him out quickly.
No one knows where this will end up. It could end up fatal for Starmer, but that is not a certainty.
In his speech this morning, Starmer will say “incremental change won’t cut it”. According to extracts released in advance, he will say:
double quotation markTo meet the challenges that our country faces, incremental change won’t cut it.
On growth, defence, Europe, energy – we need a bigger response than we anticipated in 2024 because these are not ordinary times.
Strength through fairness. It’s a core Labour argument. And you will see those values writ large in the king’s speech. And you will see hope, urgency and exactly whose side we are on.
The problem Starmer faces is that for many people, including Labour MPs (like Josh Simons, who addressed this exact point in an article published yesterday), “incremental change” sounds like a definition of Starmerism.
Here is over overnight story.
And here is the agenda for the day.
10am: Keir Starmer delivers his speech.
12.30pm: Angela Rayner, the former deputy PM, is due to speak at the CWU conference in Bournemouth.
Around lunchtime: Catherine West, the former minister, is expected to give her response to the Starmer speech. If she is not persuaded he can turn things around, she will formally start the process of trying to get the 81 names she needs to launch a leadership challenge.
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Q&A
What did Keir Starmer mean by 'incremental change won’t cut it'?
Keir Starmer is emphasizing the need for significant reforms within the Labour Party to address current challenges, suggesting that small changes are insufficient.
Who is Angela Rayner and what is her role in the Labour leadership contest?
Angela Rayner is a prominent Labour politician who has effectively issued her own manifesto, indicating her potential candidacy in the leadership contest against Starmer.
What historical examples did the article mention regarding leadership challenges in the Labour Party?
The article references John Major's survival of leadership challenges in 1995 and Jeremy Corbyn's no-confidence vote in 2016, highlighting the unpredictable nature of leadership contests.
What are the potential consequences for Starmer if he faces a leadership challenge?
If faced with a leadership challenge, Starmer's position could become precarious, potentially leading to his removal or a significant shift in Labour Party direction.
