Labour MP says PM should go but pulls back from leadership challenge

"Labour MP Catherine West has pulled back from launching a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer but has called on him to set out a timetable for his departure in September. Over the weekend, the north London MP had threatened to kick-start a contest but said she would first listen to the prime minister's speech responding to Labour's poor election results. In the speech, the PM said he would prove the "doubters wrong" and would not be stepping down."

"So far around 45 Labour MPs have publicly urged Sir Keir either to step down immediately or set out a timetable for his departure. West said the prime minister's speech had "renewed energy and ideas" but "was too little too late". In a statement she said: "The results last Thursday show that the prime minister has failed to inspire hope." "What is best for the party and country now is for an orderly transition.""

""I am hereby giving notice to No 10 that I am collecting names of Labour MPs to call on the prime minister to set a timetable for the election of a new leader in September. "We need our best top team in place to fight the next election. We owe working people up and down the country nothing less." West's withdrawal from making a challenge means a leadership contest is less likely to take place immediately and will be a boost for Downing Street."

"However, it is also helpful for those MPs who want to see Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham replace Sir Keir as prime minister. Burnham is not currently an MP meaning he cannot join a leadership race. If a contest is delayed until the autumn, it gives him more time to find a parliamentary constituency he can stand in and, providing he wins, thereby make his return to Westminster."

Labour MP Catherine West pulled back from launching a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer after his speech following poor election results. She said the speech renewed energy and ideas but was too little too late. West called for an orderly transition and gave notice to No 10 that she is collecting names of Labour MPs to press for a timetable for electing a new leader in September. She argued the party needs its best top team in place to fight the next election. Her withdrawal makes an immediate contest less likely and may strengthen support for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who would need time to secure a parliamentary seat to enter a leadership race.

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