Technology Secretary Peter Kyle warned that Labour is repeating what he described as the Conservatives’ failed pattern of treating leadership changes as the solution to every government problem, as internal pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer continues.
Speaking at a lunch event in Parliament on Thursday, Kyle said Labour had not learned the lessons of the previous Conservative government, which he said defaulted to changing leaders whenever it faced difficulties. Earlier this year, the Labour government faced a wave of turmoil as Starmer resisted calls to resign from within his own party, with more than 100 Labour MPs signing a letter demanding he step down or set a timetable to go.
“I don’t think we’ve learned the lessons of the Tory Party in government, where every time there was a problem that was experienced with their government, there was only one solution, and that’s changing the leader at the top,” Kyle said.
Kyle criticized colleagues who he said were “quite conveniently” attributing the government’s problems to a single individual. “It’s easy to blame one person, and not accept responsibility for our collective endeavour as a government,” he said.
Starmer has said he will not step down and would fight any challenge. No candidates have formally launched a bid against him, despite intense speculation in Westminster.
The prime minister’s authority has also been undermined by the controversy over Lord Mandelson’s appointment as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. Five ministers resigned after the local election losses, with former health secretary Wes Streeting the most high-profile figure to leave the Cabinet.
Streeting has said he would take part in any leadership contest but would wait to see the outcome of the Makerfield by-election on 18 June. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who is standing in that by-election, has said he wants to “change Labour, because Labour needs change.”
Kyle, a close friend of Streeting, said they spoke “often” but added that “if you put friendship ahead of what you believe is the interest of the country, that takes you to a very bad place.” He also criticized potential challengers, saying “entitlement is not a qualification for leadership.”
Kyle expressed frustration that those putting themselves forward as alternative leaders received attention. “I think we can reward the wrong behaviour in politics,” he said. “People who put their heart and soul into delivering stability and authority at times of challenge is not what is reported, is not what is rewarded in our body politic.”