Labour MPs can’t decide if Keir Starmer is coming or going even as his premiership hangs in the balance.

Despite the party’s horrendous performance in the local elections, the prime minister has made it clear he has no intention of stepping down.

That means it is up to the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) to try and unite behind an alternative candidate to oust the PM.

But MPs cannot decide what course of action they want to take, and so the party seems to be falling apart – in public.

1. ‘Wholly Unserious’

Backbencher Catherine West threatened to pose a leadership challenge to Starmer if she got the required backing of 20% of the parliamentary party.

However, after Starmer’s make-or-break speech on Monday, West changed tactics and sent a letter to fellow Labour MPs.

She asked them to back her letter calling on the PM to step down in September.

Fellow Labour MP Sean Woodcock then shared his email response to her on X, writing: “I think this is a wholly unserious way of going about this.”

He added: “Please stop.”

2. ‘By September’ Or ‘With September’?

West’s demand for Starmer to step down caused major confusion over a significant technicality: what was the deadline?

The backbencher’s initial email said she wanted the PM to resign “in September”, but she has since claimed she meant “by September”.

That sparked one of the signatories to withdraw immediately.

3. Who Will Stand Aside For Burnham?

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is considered to be one of the main rivals to Starmer.

However, he needs a seat in parliament to successfully challenge Starmer.

That has fuelled speculation that a Labour MP could stand aside, giving Burnham a chance of winning the subsequent by-election.

The so-called “King of the North” is rapidly accumulating support – but not many people are willing to actually give up their jobs, it seems.

As Paula Barker, MP for Liverpool Wavertree, told the BBC: “I would be delighted if a seat could be identified for Andy Burnham.”

But, when asked if she would give up her seat for him, Barker said firmly: “No.”

After an awkward pause, she was asked if that meant she was hoping someone else would give Burnham their seat. Barker said: “Yes.”