It ‘is over’ for Starmer as he is a ‘dead man walking’

Sir Keir Starmer is facing growing unease within Labour ranks just two weeks before the local elections, amid claims of deepening internal division and mounting political pressure following a turbulent week in Westminster.

Several Cabinet figures, including Yvette Cooper and Ed Miliband, have been reported to have distanced themselves from recent controversies surrounding the Government, as speculation intensifies about the Prime Minister’s authority within his own party.

One Labour MP told The Telegraph that the situation was increasingly precarious, describing Sir Keir as a “dead man walking” and suggesting a leadership challenge could emerge depending on the outcome of the local elections.

“It’s over for him,” the MP said. “He can’t come back from this. Someone needs to put an arm around him and say: ‘It’s over.’”

The comments come after a bruising week in Parliament, including an emergency Commons debate led by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and a highly charged session of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee featuring evidence from senior official Olly Robbins.

Labour MPs, including Imran Hussain and Ian Byrne, have also publicly raised concerns, with warnings of division and allegations of a “toxic culture” in Downing Street adding to the pressure.

Attention is now also turning to the anticipated release of further so-called “Mandelson files” after May 7, which some MPs fear could reignite scrutiny of senior appointments and deepen the political fallout.

Angela Rayner has urged focus on policy priorities rather than ongoing controversy, saying there are “more important questions out there”, although senior figures, including Wes Streeting, are said to be wary of internal instability ahead of the elections.

Despite the speculation, government sources insist there is no immediate move against the Prime Minister. One described the mood in Westminster as subdued but stable, saying: “Everyone is depressed, but nobody is resigning.”

However, MPs acknowledge that a poor local election performance — particularly if Reform UK makes significant gains — could sharply intensify pressure on Sir Keir’s leadership in the weeks that follow.