If someone had pulled the trigger': MPs rue lack of challenger to oust Keir Starmer

"Anger is widespread across Labour but it was at its most palpable among the party's new MPs, as the Conservatives used a humble address to force the disclosure of the vetting documents and communications linked to Peter Mandelson, disgraced by his close association with Jeffrey Epstein. At about 2pm yesterday, if someone had pulled the trigger, we would have moved, one 2024 intake MP said on Thursday. No one dared. I think that says a lot."

"But four MPs from the 2024 intake told the Guardian on Thursday they were beginning to believe that there was no candidate ready or even brave enough to trigger Starmer's downfall. If you are not brave enough to be first out of the traps, you don't deserve to be prime minister, one said. Angela Rayner's stock is higher after her intervention in the debate that saved the government from defeat over the release of the Mandelson documents."

Mutiny talk spread among Labour's Commons tea room after Conservatives used a humble address to force release of vetting documents and communications linked to Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein. New MPs expressed palpable anger and felt tarnished by sleaze, believing the party should end such politics. Several 2024 intake MPs judged no candidate was ready or brave enough to mount a challenge to Keir Starmer, and none triggered a vote despite wishing leadership. Angela Rayner's intervention raised her standing; Wes Streeting had the most MPs willing to back him but both faced issues preventing an immediate move.

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