Labour MP threatens leadership contest if no challenge by Monday

Labour MP Catherine West has announced she will attempt to start a leadership contest if no cabinet minister publicly calls for Keir Starmer to be removed by Monday. West, who previously served as a junior Foreign Office minister, said she would ask members of the Parliamentary Labour Party to support her in triggering a contest if no leadership hopeful emerges.

West stated her preference is for the cabinet to make changes internally. She suggested Keir Starmer could take on a different role, possibly international, while other capable individuals could step forward. Her goal is to manage this transition with minimal disruption.

This move follows a series of poor results for Labour in recent local elections. The party lost control of several councils across England, including Bradford, Lambeth, and parts of Yorkshire. These losses have intensified pressure on Starmer's leadership.

In Wales, Welsh Labour has appointed Ken Skates as its interim leader. This follows the resignation of Eluned Morgan after she lost her seat in the Senedd. Skates will lead the party until a new leadership election timetable is established.

The Green Party also made significant gains, taking control of Lewisham council in London. They also became the largest party on Lambeth council, pushing Labour out of power there for the first time since 2006.

A recent poll indicates that a majority of Labour members do not believe Keir Starmer can improve the party's standing. The poll also found that 45% of members think Starmer should step down. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, was the preferred successor for 42% of members surveyed.

Some Labour MPs, particularly those close to Andy Burnham, have suggested a timetable for Starmer's departure. This would allow Burnham time to seek a parliamentary seat, as he is not currently an MP. There has also been speculation about Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, but his allies have denied he is considering a leadership bid.

MPs from the left wing of the Labour party are reportedly considering urging Ed Miliband to consider a leadership bid. They aim to prevent a potential leadership contest from being dominated by one candidate, believing that Angela Rayner, Starmer's former deputy, may not have enough support.

Keir Starmer has acknowledged the need for reflection and rebuilding following the election results. He thanked Ken Skates for stepping up as interim leader in Wales. Starmer stated that Ken Skates is a talented and experienced politician who will do a great job leading Welsh Labour.

The National Education Union, a large teaching union in England, plans to hold a formal strike ballot later this year. This is due to concerns about teacher pay not keeping pace with inflation and school funding issues. The union aims to avoid strike action but warns the government must address the education system's problems.

In Scotland, the Scottish National Party (SNP) has won the most seats in the Scottish Parliament, but the political landscape has shifted. Labour tied for second place with Reform UK. The results suggest a significant change in Scottish politics, with Labour facing challenges despite previous gains.

Aspire has won control of Tower Hamlets council in London. The party secured enough seats to gain an overall majority in the borough. This marks a shift in local power in east London.

Reform UK has also made gains in local elections, notably in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. The party won control of the council there, ending over 50 years of Labour rule. Reform UK also took control of Calderdale and Wakefield from Labour.