The New Statesman: politics and culture Mutiny in the Labour Party
Nov 12, 2025
Ailbhe Rea, the new political editor at the New Statesman, dives into the turmoil within the Labour Party. With polling hitting a historic low of 17%, she discusses the brewing leadership crisis, drawing parallels to Boris Johnson’s fall. MPs express growing discontent with Keir Starmer, fueled by policy missteps and internal briefings that spotlight potential challengers like Wes Streeting. Rea explores how these dynamics are reshaping the political landscape, hinting at an impending leadership shuffle.
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Parliamentary Support Has Collapsed
- Keir Starmer's support in Parliament has sharply weakened and private contempt is widespread among MPs.
- Ailbhe Rea argues this mood mirrors the run-up to Boris Johnson's fall and could foreshadow serious leadership trouble.
Loyal MP Secretly Turned Sour
- An MP normally reliably loyal summoned Ailbhe Rea and openly declared they were 'so sick of this' and would be more helpful to the press.
- Rea says many similar MPs are quietly disgruntled and not being engaged by whips anymore.
Winter Fuel Was Political Turning Point
- The winter fuel policy is seen inside the party as the 'original sin' that punctured Labour's honeymoon and signaled meanness.
- Subsequent U-turns and welfare issues compounded MPs' frustration and fed perceptions that Number 10 doesn't respect them.