Starmer biographer warns Labour risks ‘real chance’ of changing leaders again before election if it ousts him now

Sir Keir Starmer’s biographer, Tom Baldwin, has warned that Labour risks a cycle of leadership changes before the next general election if it removes Starmer now. Baldwin expressed astonishment at the party’s internal turmoil following poor local election results, which have sparked calls for the prime minister’s resignation. With health secretary Wes Streeting expected to resign to trigger a leadership challenge, Baldwin cautioned against repeating the Conservative Party’s pattern of frequent leadership upheavals, which he said undermined political stability and public confidence. Baldwin criticized the current infighting for making Labour appear “unserious” and likened the situation to Italy’s political instability in the 1980s, warning it could damage the UK’s economy and security amid ongoing international crises. He suggested that if Labour ousts Starmer now, it might face the need to replace a second leader before the election, potentially weakening the party’s position against rivals like Nigel Farage and Reform UK. Baldwin emphasized that any leadership contest should not be rushed, especially given the “highly wrought, emotional environment” and the broader global and economic challenges, including the conflict in the Middle East. The biographer also questioned whether those pushing for Starmer’s resignation were acting in the national interest, a pointed remark aimed at Streeting and his allies, several of whom resigned earlier this week in an effort to force a leadership change. Despite the pressure and the resignation of four ministers, Starmer has so far retained his leadership, with his supporters prepared to contest any forthcoming leadership election. The situation highlights deep divisions within Labour at a critical moment, raising concerns about the party’s unity and electoral prospects ahead of the next general election.