Scepticism over Starmer as Labour MPs meet to discuss threat from Greens

Scepticism over Starmer as Labour MPs meet to discuss threat from Greens

Following a recent by-election loss in Gorton and Denton, Labour’s Anna Turley convened with MPs to address the growing influence of the Greens, who have now secured their fifth representative in the House of Commons. The defeat marks a significant shift, as the party lost a constituency it has held since the 1930s, finishing third behind the Greens and Reform UK.

A meeting held by the cabinet minister responsible for party strategy revealed internal divisions. One attendee told Sky News that the group was eager to hear from constituents who had experienced challenges from the Greens in past elections. However, other members expressed doubts about whether the leadership would heed their warnings or implement effective measures to counter the Green surge while Sir Keir Starmer remains at the helm.

Politics Live: Labour MP responds after husband arrested on suspicion of spying for China

Opinion polls this week indicated the Greens have overtaken Labour in second-place status, with Reform UK leading the pack. The party is now reportedly re-evaluating its voter coalition strategy as it prepares for potentially pivotal local elections in May.

Some MPs argued that Labour’s messaging during the Gorton and Denton campaign leaned too heavily on attacking the Greens, neglecting its own accomplishments in governance. Karl Turner, representing Hull East, suggested that critiquing the Greens’ drug policy might resonate with younger voters, though others warned that this doesn’t mean softening on the party’s core issues.

“We’ve got to hold the Greens to account for their batsh*t views on defence that would risk Britain’s security, but also be confident that we are a progressive party. There’s a balance to be struck, and that’s exactly where the public’s at.”

Another MP cautioned against overcorrecting, claiming the government needs to be more assertive. They noted that Labour has become synonymous with the “failed status quo,” prompting voters to support Reform or Green candidates due to their desire for a radical overhaul of the political landscape.

Despite a strong turnout at the meeting, the left-wing socialist campaign group (SCG) faction was expected to stay away, calling it a “waste of time.” A source confirmed that MPs had raised concerns about the Greens for years, asserting that only a leadership change could resolve the issue. With Andy Burnham blocked from running, the replacement choice remains unclear, as some leftists view Angela Rayner as too closely aligned with Starmer’s administration, particularly due to her past tax controversy.

Starmer has vowed to continue his leadership following the by-election setback, pledging a new approach to engage backbenchers. He outlined plans for more frequent policy discussions, including roundtables and drop-ins. Yet, many within the party remain unconvinced, questioning if these gestures will translate to real change. One backbencher remarked, “What they claim to want is loyalty, but what they actually want is obedience.”

Behind the scenes, efforts are underway to address the cost of Plan 2 Student Loans, which some MPs hope could attract younger voters back to Labour. However, the Treasury is said to be resistant to this idea, hinting at a potential clash over the policy in the coming months.