Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has insisted that the "vast majority" of Labour MPs remain loyal and supportive of his leadership, countering weeks of speculation about a potential internal challenge.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Starmer acknowledged that political rumors are inevitable but emphasized that the "vast majority" of the Parliamentary Labour Party is focused on governing rather than engaging in leadership gossip.
"They're pleased to be in power," he said. "They've waited a long time to be in power. And they just want to get on with their job."
Starmer's comments come amid turmoil over his appointment of Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US. Security officials had flagged concerns about Mandelson's vetting clearance, but Starmer claims he was not informed of the full details. The prime minister defended his decision to sack the Foreign Office's most senior civil servant, Sir Olly Robbins, for failing to relay the information.
"When there's a double red flag not to give clearance and showing high concern, then I'm sorry. But I do not accept the argument that that is something which should not be told to the prime minister," Starmer stated.
Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp called on Starmer to resign, telling the BBC that Labour MPs should "develop a backbone and get rid of him" if he fails to step down. However, chief secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones insisted the government had "nothing to hide" and dismissed the controversy as a distraction.
Looking ahead, Starmer sought to shift focus to international issues, particularly the wars in Ukraine and Iran, calling them "the urgent issue of our time." He urged against dwelling on leadership speculation, saying, "This is the serious work of being the prime minister."