All posts tagged: Parliamentary Labour Party

Starmer hands Tory turncoat a knighthood

Starmer hands Tory turncoat a knighthood

Published by Sam Flores

Sir Keir Starmer has nominated an anti-Brexit former Conservative MP for a knighthood, prompting a row with Kemi Badenoch. David Gauke, who served as justice secretary in Theresa May’s government, was suspended from the Conservatives after rebelling against Boris Johnson over Brexit in 2019. He stood as an independent against the Tories in that year’s general election. Last year, Mr Gauke was appointed by Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, to lead an independent sentencing review to examine proposals to tackle prison overcrowding. Labour put him forward for a knighthood in the King’s annual birthday honours list, the Financial Times reported. Mrs Badenoch, the Conservative leader, was said to be “absolutely livid”. Greg Hands, holding a pair of Sir Keir Starmer ‘flip flops’ at the 2023 Tory party conference, is also said to be in line for an honour – Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire A senior Conservative Party source told The Spectator: “She wouldn’t have him anywhere near any list. Starmer even snuck it through a random honours committee to stop Kemi vetoing it. “He stood against …

Rival Labour factions understood to be discussing how to remove Keir Starmer as leader

Rival Labour factions understood to be discussing how to remove Keir Starmer as leader

Published by Sam Flores

Labour figures from across rival factions have begun circulating informal proposals for an “orderly transition” of power away from Keir Starmer, the Guardian understands. MPs have shifted discussions from speculating about whether the prime minister could be removed to how – including timelines, potential triggers and the mechanics of forcing a leadership contest. One Labour MP said: “There have been conversations about process. When the time comes, and if the numbers are there, a process will be found.” With no formal mechanism to remove a sitting prime minister, attention has turned to how political pressure can be applied, with one senior party source warning poor local election results could trigger junior ministerial resignations, which would provide “cover for someone to come out from behind”. Starmer has said he is determined to lead Labour into the next general election, but his allies acknowledge he does not have for ever to convince his party. A source speculated the prime minister had nine months to persuade MPs that he can turn things around. Senior MPs said it was …