Starmer must go before next election, say Labour-backing unions

"Eleven unions which help fund the Labour Party believe "it is clear" Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will not lead the party into the next election. The group, which includes Unite, Unison and GMB, added "at some stage" a plan will have to be put in place for the election of a new leader. While they acknowledged "progress has been made" with employment law reforms and the minimum wage increase, the unions said they have been clear Labour "cannot continue on its current path"."

"They said: "Labour is not doing enough to deliver the change that working people voted for at the general election. "Our focus is on the fundamental change of direction on economic policy and political strategy that unions have been clear is needed, and not on the personalities and unfolding political drama in Westminster. "It's clear that the prime minister will not lead Labour into the next election, and at some stage a plan will have to be put in place for the election of a new leader.""

"They added "we are working closely as unions to shape a shared vision on policy, political strategy and economic policy that will re-orient Labour back to working people". Sir Keir, who pulled out of a meeting with the unions on Tuesday, has vowed to get on with governing and has repeatedly vowed to remain prime minister. It is understood the statement developed was a compromise as some unions wanted a timetable for Sir Keir's departure although two - Community and GMB - were wary of getting involved in leadership rows."

"Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds acknowledged it has been "turbulent" for the prime minister but said there is "no contest for the leadership of the Labour Party". He told BBC Breakfast: "There's a very clear way to do that under our rules of 81 people nominating an alternative candidate. That hasn't happened.""

Eleven unions that help fund the Labour Party said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will not lead Labour into the next election. They stated that, at some stage, a plan must be put in place for electing a new leader. The unions acknowledged progress on employment law reforms and an increase to the minimum wage, but said Labour cannot continue on its current path. They called for fundamental change in economic policy and political strategy to deliver the change working people voted for. They emphasized focusing on policy direction rather than personalities. Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said there is no contest for Labour leadership under party rules because an alternative candidate has not been nominated.

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