Sussex Labour MPs weigh in on Starmer resignation calls

Catherine West, Hornsey and Friern Barnet MP, declared her intention to launch a leadership bid yesterday, May 9.

She intends to seek nominations tomorrow, May 11, to launch a formal challenge against Sir Keir’s leadership.

Among MPs contributing to the debate is Beccy Cooper, Labour MP for Worthing West.

Worthing West MP Beccy Cooper (Image: Laurie Noble/House of Commons)

Ms Cooper retweeted an ITV News interview with former transport secretary Louise Haigh, who stated Starmer “cannot lead [Labour] into another election” without “significant and urgent change”.

In a statement, Ms Cooper told The Argus: “It is clear from the frustration expressed in the election results last week that we haven’t delivered to date on the opportunity for change.

“So I will listen to what the Prime Minister has to say this week and if I don’t hear a significant improvement in the direction of travel, with a progressive policy platform that will swiftly address the cost-of-living crisis, then I will call for him to set out a timetable for transition to a new leader within the year.”

Peter Lamb, MP for Crawley, previously called for the Prime Minister to “set out a timetable for departure” in February.

Peter Lamb (Image: House of Commons)

Following the results of May 7, which saw Labour lose around 1,500 councillors, Mr Lamb told the BBC that if Sir Keir had done so in February, “many more of [his] local government colleagues could be here today”.

Mr Lamb has also been contacted for comment.

Meanwhile, Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle has shown his support for the Prime Minister.

On X, the business secretary said: “Reversing these results requires a collective effort, not just blaming the boss.

“We can’t do that by turning in on ourselves. We do it by rebuilding faith in Labour’s ability to inspire and lead our country.

“Losing our Prime Minister is the very opposite of that.

Peter Kyle at a local election rally in Worthing (Image: The Argus)

“In the days ahead, we’ll set out the ambition we have for a fairer and more prosperous Britain.”

Any challenger to Sir Keir would require the support of 81 MPs – 20 per cent of the party in the Commons – to trigger a contest.

Written nominations would need to be submitted to Labour general secretary Hollie Ridley.

In the case of a successful challenge, Sir Keir would be on the ballot by default as the incumbent and would not need to gather nominations.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaking to the media after meeting Labour Party members during a visit to AFC Wimbledon (Image: Maja Smiejkowska/PA Wire)

If Sir Keir were to resign, it would automatically start a contest for a new leader.

The Prime Minister, who has indicated he hopes to remain in power until 2034, has a major speech on Monday as he tries to shore up his position.

Despite the mounting calls for him to leave, the Prime Minister said he would not walk away from the job.

Ms West said she would wait to hear Sir Keir’s speech on Monday before beginning the process of gathering the 81 MPs she would need to formally trigger a contest.