(Alamy)
2 min read
Exclusive: A junior minister called for Keir Starmer to step down as Prime Minister and set out a departure timetable in a private meeting on Wednesday afternoon, PoliticsHome understands.
It is understood that Josh MacAlister, Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington, told the Prime Minister to set out a timetable for his departure during a meeting with ministers. Starmer told the meeting that if there was a challenge, the NEC would set out an appropriate timetable.
When approached for comment, MacAlister refused to comment on a private meeting.
There have been reports that other ministers have called for Starmer to set out a timetable for departure, including Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary.
Wes Streeting, the health secretary, is expected to launch a leadership bid on Thursday and formally challenge the Prime Minister. He met Starmer in Downing Street on Wednesday morning for a meeting which lasted less than 20 minutes.
To date, more than 90 MPs have called on Starmer to step down, while four ministers have resigned from government in protest.
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is in the process of lining up a seat in Greater Manchester. Afzal Khan told PoliticsHome he would not be standing aside, but it has been reported that he is considering vacating his seat to let the Manchester Mayor into Parliament.
Ed Miliband has the numbers to stand in a leadership contest if Andy Burnham is unable, his allies have told PoliticsHome. The Energy Secretary is understood to be considering running for Labour leader if Streeting triggers a contest.
