Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and housing minister Steve Reed issued public declarations of support for Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, after Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, called for Starmer to resign.
The developments come as pressure on Starmer’s leadership has increased in the wake of the Mandelson-Epstein scandal. Sarwar’s statement made him the most senior Labour politician to publicly oppose the prime minister.
Responding to the challenge, Lammy took to X to underline unity behind Starmer, writing: "We should let nothing distract us from our mission to change Britain and we support the Prime Minister in doing that."
Housing minister Steve Reed echoed that line on X, pointing to Starmer’s recent electoral success: he said Starmer "had led the party to victory in the 2024 election," and added, "We need to stay the course." Reed’s comment linked the argument for continuity to the outcome of the last general election.
Both statements emphasize a desire within parts of the party to maintain focus on policy and governing priorities rather than internal leadership contests. The article’s factual record is limited to these public endorsements and to Sarwar’s call for resignation; no further internal dynamics, timelines, or responses from other party figures are contained in the available information.
Summary
On Monday, two senior Labour figures - Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and housing minister Steve Reed - publicly backed Prime Minister Keir Starmer following a call for his resignation by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. Their comments, posted on X, framed the response as a defense of continuity and an appeal to remain focused on the party’s mission and recent electoral victory.
Key points
- David Lammy and Steve Reed publicly pledged support for Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, each posting on X.
- Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called on Starmer to resign and became the most senior Labour politician to do so.
- The situation connects directly to the Mandelson-Epstein scandal and highlights intra-party pressure; sectors referenced by the article include government and the housing portfolio due to Reed's role.
Risks and uncertainties
- Leadership pressure - Continued challenges to Starmer’s leadership could create political uncertainty within the party; this is a political risk explicitly referenced by the article.
- Party cohesion - Public splits among senior figures may affect the party’s ability to present a unified agenda; the article confirms differing public positions among senior members.
- Housing policy focus - With the housing minister publicly supporting the prime minister, there is potential sensitivity around housing policy leadership and messaging; the article notes Reed’s office and role.