Cabinet minister warns Labour against ‘doomscrolling’ through leaders like the Tories
Communities Secretary Steve Reed has warned Labour MPs against pursuing a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer, likening such actions to the Conservatives' pattern of leadership instability. He emphasized that most party members and local leaders are tired of internal drama and want to focus on upcoming elections and policy issues. Cabinet ministers largely support Starmer, with some attributing backbench discontent to inexperience and political ambition.
- ▪Steve Reed urged Labour MPs not to initiate a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer ahead of the May 2026 elections.
- ▪Some Labour MPs have discussed pressuring Starmer to set a timetable for departure, potentially benefiting Andy Burnham.
- ▪Cabinet ministers believe much of the discontent comes from newer MPs who have not experienced electoral setbacks.
- ▪Reed argued that Labour should avoid mimicking Conservative-style leadership instability, which he called 'doomscrolling.'
- ▪Labour faces potential losses of over 1,500 council seats and declining dominance in Wales and Scotland.
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Steve Reed: ‘I’m not going to engage in it, and most of our MPs would not engage in that either.’ Photograph: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenSteve Reed: ‘I’m not going to engage in it, and most of our MPs would not engage in that either.’ Photograph: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty ImagesLabourCabinet minister warns Labour against ‘doomscrolling’ through leaders like the ToriesSteve Reed urges MPs not to move against Keir Starmer and says most people are ‘sick and tired of all this psychodrama’Jessica Elgot and Pippa CrerarTue 5 May 2026 04.26 EDTLast modified on Tue 5 May 2026 04.40 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleLabour should not be “doomscrolling” through leaders like the Conservatives, the communities secretary, Steve Reed,…
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