"Forcing someone's hand before it is ready to strike is a familiar move in the playbook of factional politics. Sir Keir's praetorian guard appears not to have considered the destructive consequences for the government of provoking days of speculation and counter-briefing about the inadequacy of the No 10 operation. Meanwhile, there is no indication that Sir Keir has a reliable plan to convince unhappy MPs that he is capable of restoring public confidence in his administration and reversing a calamitous slide in opinion poll ratings."
"The riposte from Sir Keir's supporters is that a leadership challenge would be all downside. They argue it would signal that Britain is slipping back into the political volatility of the Tory years, unsettling markets and foreign governments alike. The leader's allies say carefully calibrated relations with the US and the EU would be jeopardised. The only winners would be opposition parties. Such claims are designed to raise the bar of credibility for any potential rival but it is unclear whether the threshold reflects reality."
Labour MPs are contemplating replacing their leader within 18 months of a landslide general election victory, undermining expected stability and renewal. Loyalists in Downing Street briefed to flush potential rivals, notably Wes Streeting, have sparked sudden speculation. The No 10 operation faces criticism for provoking speculation and counter-briefing about its inadequacy. There is no clear plan from the leader to reassure unhappy MPs or arrest falling poll ratings. Some frontline figures deny plotting, yet the parliamentary party remains profoundly unhappy and tempted to gamble on change. Supporters warn a leadership contest risks destabilising markets and international relations, raising the bar for challengers.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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