Labour MPs across Bucks, Beds, and Herts divided on Starmer

Labour MPs across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire are divided over whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer should remain as party leader.

Sarah Owen said the Prime Minister the Prime Minister should set an “orderly timetable” for his departure and a replacement.

Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, she said: “Those close to Keir Starmer always say he’s a decent man, but I believe he’s a flawed politician and a flawed leader.

“He lacks a connection with the British public, and I don’t think he has all the answers to the bigger issues affecting people’s lives every day.”

Ms Owen added: “I think one of the best chances we have of beating Reform at the next election is with Andy Burnham as leader.”

However, Matt Turmaine described the reaction to Labour’s recent local election results as “knee-jerk” and said Starmer should be given more time.

He said: “I think he is the right person for the job. He is grappling with these problems and dealing with them, but it takes time to turn that tanker around.”

Adding: “You can't fix them in two minutes, you've got to give the guy time to be able to do it.

“Maybe let's look at it in a year - if he's turned the economy around and people are feeling that benefit in their pockets, then they may have a very different view.”

Mr Turmaine acknowledged divisions within the party, but added: “Whoever were to take over, if that were to happen, would face exactly the same problems and challenges facing the country.”

Meanwhile, in Buckinghamshire, Chris Curtis said Labour needed to pursue “more radical change” than the Government had outlined so far.

Speaking to Sky News on Monday, he said: “I therefore think it’s time for us to look for new leadership.”

The comments highlight growing divisions within Labour over the party’s direction and leadership following mounting pressure after recent electoral setbacks.