Labour MP Gives Ministers Monday Deadline to Challenge Starmer
Labour MP Catherine West has threatened to trigger a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer. She told the BBC that if a Cabinet minister does not step forward by Monday she will try to force a formal contest.
West says she has 10 backers ready to support a challenge. But 81 MPs are needed to formally trigger a leadership contest.
West's current support falls well short of that number. Deputy leader Lucy Powell warned potential challengers not to provoke a contest.
This was a direct response to West's threat. West was removed as a Foreign Office minister by Starmer in a September 2025 reshuffle.
The challenge comes as Labour performed poorly in local elections. Nearly 40 MPs have already called on Starmer to resign.
Klear Note — Labour is the UK's ruling party. A leadership challenge requires 81 MPs to formally trigger. Labour recently lost seats in local elections.
Key Terms 3
- leadership contest A formal vote to replace the party leader
- Cabinet minister A senior government minister in the top team
- Keir Starmer Current UK Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party