Desperate backbenchers are hopeful the Prime Minister can be convinced to step aside in a last-ditch effort to stave off disaster after the Peter Mandelson scandal once again erupted. Now fearful for their own seats, some MPs have told the media they expect Sir Keir’s closest advisor, chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, to fall on his sword as well.
The plotters told the Mail on Sunday they would want to see a temporary replacement Prime Minister should Sir Keir follow their advice. They touted Defence Secretary John Healey or Northern Ireland Secretary Hillary Benn as potential candidates.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday a source said: “Morgan going would offer the MPs a sacrifice to try to atone for this disaster. But could Keir survive without him? They should really depart as a package.”
The so-called ‘caretaker’ package would see the unfortunate replacement PM carrying the bag for the Gorton and Denton by-election and then the May council elections, as well as overseeing a leadership election.
Backbench MPs reportedly believe this would be the best way to bring about a stable government and avoid a leadership race before the elections in May, where polls predict Labour will struggle to hold seats.
They also believe a delay would be the preferred option for three of the likely candidates, who all have their own reasons for wanting a delay.
Angela Rayner, who resigned as Deputy Prime Minister over an incorrect payment of tax on her second home, would have more time to finish her tax investigations, whilst Andy Burnham would have several months to try again at a seat in Westminster.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting would have more time to distance himself from his own associations with Mandelson, with whom he has often been pictured – and for whom his husband once worked.
A Senior Labour MP told the Mail on Sunday that “extraordinary times” called for “extraordinary solutions”, adding: “We can’t let Starmer limp on until after the May elections – we need a replacement now to stem what could be disastrous losses for Labour. But equally, we can’t have a full-scale election for leader between now and May.”
The MP added: “Given the briefing war that’s already broken out between Rayner and Streeting, there wouldn’t be just blood on the walls in a full-on contest – it’d be all over the floor and ceiling, too. And that would only make us lose more seats in May. So yes, the idea is now being discussed actively by Labour MPs.”