On a cold February morning in 2026, the Labour Party found itself at the center of a political whirlwind. The party, which not long ago celebrated its return to government, is now embroiled in a fierce internal struggle over its leadership and direction. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, facing a crescendo of criticism and open calls for his resignation, is determined to project an image of unity and stability. Yet, behind the scenes, the party’s top brass and regional leaders are anything but unanimous.
The drama reached fever pitch when Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, publicly called on Starmer to step down from the top job. According to BBC, on February 9, 2026, Sarwar openly stated that the Prime Minister should resign, arguing, “The distraction needs to end, and the leadership in Downing Street has to change.” This bold move was quickly echoed by several Scottish Labour MSPs. Martin Whitfield, the party’s chief whip at Holyrood, said Sarwar’s decision to withdraw support from Starmer was “right for Scotland.” MSP Michael Marra added that Sarwar had acted in the “best interest of Scotland, a nation needing proper change.” Katy Clark, another MSP, agreed the government needed a “reset” after what she described as a series of “poor decisions” dating back to controversial winter fuel payment cuts and the rejection of compensation for Waspi women.
As Scottish Labour MPs rallied behind Sarwar, the tremors were felt throughout the party. Cabinet ministers were swiftly marshaled to publicly declare their loyalty to Starmer, with every member affirming support in a show of unity. Yet, beneath the surface, deep divisions remained. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and a prominent figure on Labour’s soft left, offered his support to Starmer—but only after nearly 24 hours of silence. Speaking at a Resolution Foundation conference in London, Burnham declared, “Yes, he has my support. The government has my support and they had my support when I put myself forward for the by-election.”
Burnham’s own ambitions have been a source of intrigue. Last month, he was blocked from standing as a candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election—a move widely interpreted as an effort by Starmer’s allies to sideline a potential leadership rival. Asked directly if he would rule out a future leadership challenge, Burnham sidestepped, instead urging the party to focus on “unity” and “stability” to deliver for the British public. “What I am calling for, very clearly today, is for the unity to create the stability, to give the Government the platform to focus on all of the things that I’m talking about today,” Burnham said, according to The Telegraph. “And I think we’ve got to get away from the kind of sense that everything is a challenge.”
Burnham also called for Labour to be run in a “more inclusive way,” suggesting there should be more room for figures on the soft left. “Of course, stability comes from greater unity, and that would be helped by a more inclusive way of running the party, but recent events make that now feel possible,” he remarked. He also took a swipe at the ongoing Mandelson-Epstein scandal, saying, “Following recent events, I think the time has come to call an end to this era in British politics where politicians got too close to wealth.”
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting found himself at the center of another controversy. Accused by some of orchestrating a coup against Starmer—allegedly in collaboration with Anas Sarwar—Streeting denied any such attempt, instead accusing No 10 insiders of briefing against him. On February 9, 2026, Streeting published WhatsApp messages with Lord Mandelson, the disgraced former Labour peer, in an effort to clear his name. The move prompted a stern warning from the Metropolitan Police, who cautioned that publishing such messages could “damage its investigation” into alleged misconduct in public office during the New Labour years.
The party’s internal strife was further highlighted by the recent departures of key Starmer aides. Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, and Tim Allan, his director of communications, both left Downing Street in the days leading up to February 10. Sir Chris Wormald, the most senior civil servant in No 10, was also rumored to be on his way out. When asked if he had confidence in Sir Chris, Starmer refused to comment, fueling speculation about further instability at the top.
Despite these challenges, Starmer has attempted to project an image of strength and unity. After hosting a cabinet meeting on February 10, he told his ministers they were “strong and united,” highlighting efforts to invest in local communities, restore economic stability, and tackle the cost of living. “The government would continue its relentless focus on the priorities of the British people,” he insisted, according to The Independent.
Not everyone was convinced. Labour MP John Slinger dismissed the calls for Starmer’s resignation as “ridiculous psychodrama,” telling GB News, “The British people want their Government to be focused on their concerns, not focused on the internal machinations of a political party, whether that’s the Labour Party or the Conservatives.”
Other prominent voices have weighed in as well. Former Home Secretary Lord David Blunkett backed Wes Streeting’s decision to publish his private messages with Mandelson, arguing that “protecting yourself is not a crime.” Meanwhile, Ed Miliband, the energy security and net zero secretary, quashed rumors of a leadership bid, calling such speculation “absolute baloney” and insisting, “of course” the Prime Minister had his “100% backing.”
In the midst of the turmoil, Starmer has tried to move on, planning community visits and emphasizing his commitment to the mandate he was elected with in 2024. His official spokesperson maintained that Starmer is “showing the leadership this country needs,” and that he is “determined to work for everyone across the country so they’re better off.”
Yet, with the Gorton and Denton by-election looming and local elections on the horizon, the Labour Party’s internal divisions remain unresolved. The coming weeks will test whether Starmer’s calls for unity can withstand the mounting pressure from within his own ranks, or whether the party will be forced to confront even deeper questions about its leadership and future direction.
For now, the Labour Party’s fate hangs in the balance, with unity proclaimed but far from assured as the political drama continues to unfold.