Keir Starmer has faced caution from influential Labour members to avoid further errors, as tensions rise over the party’s deputy leadership and concerns mount that the government may weaken workplace protections.
As contenders positioned themselves to succeed Angela Rayner, Emily Thornberry, a possible candidate, publicly criticized Starmer, stating repeated missteps might result in ceding power to Nigel Farage.
Andy Burnham urged a change in approach, calling for a more inclusive leadership style. Speaking to *CuriosityNews*, he emphasized the need for the government to "listen to the party's core concerns."
The Greater Manchester mayor, seen as a potential future leader, cannot enter the deputy race but voiced support for Louise Haigh or Lucy Powell—both former ministers dismissed by Starmer.
Meanwhile, union leaders cautioned the prime minister on Sunday against diluting Rayner’s proposed employment rights legislation, currently under parliamentary review.
Justin Madders, Rayner’s former employment minister—also ousted in the reshuffle—warned it would be "highly unwise for the government to backtrack on major pledges that are widely supported and demonstrate Labour’s positive impact."
Officials from Downing Street and Labour affirmed the bill would move forward despite business pressure to weaken protections against unfair dismissal. A senior government source stated: "This reshuffle prioritizes growth, productivity, and improving living standards. Fair wages and stronger rights for workers remain central to our agenda."
Yet, unions remained uneasy, with new business secretary Peter Kyle reaching out to union leaders over the weekend to confirm the legislation’s progress.
TUC leader Paul Nowak pressed the prime minister to uphold the bill "completely," while Unite’s Sharon Graham remarked: "If they fail to deliver for workers, alternatives will be sought. The warnings are clear."
Starmer’s first cabinet meeting since the reshuffle on Tuesday is expected to focus solely on economic growth.
No. 10 anticipates a deputy leadership race in which candidates may openly critique Starmer’s first year in office, coinciding with rising support for Nigel Farage’s Reform party.
To counter criticism, the government has enacted swift ministerial changes and restructured senior aides, signaling an intent to accelerate policy implementation.
However, unease persists among Labour MPs over the reshuffle’s direction, particularly after the promotion of ministers viewed as aligned with the party’s right-wing, including Shabana Mahmood, Pat McFadden, and Peter Kyle.
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