Jess Phillips, the MP for Birmingham Yardley and former safeguarding minister, has criticized Keir Starmer's leadership following her resignation from the party's front bench.
The public break between Phillips and the Labour Party leader signals a growing rift within the party's internal hierarchy and suggests a potential challenge to Starmer's authority.
Phillips resigned on May 9, 2024 [1]. In a letter addressed to Starmer, she said, "I cannot support a leader who does not listen." She said in the correspondence that "standing up and being counted can't always be workshopped" [1].
In her first interview since stepping down, conducted by Sky News on May 10, 2024 [2], Phillips expanded on her frustrations. She said, "Starmer lacks the drive to get anything done" [2]. This criticism marks a significant departure from the expected unity within the party's leadership structure.
During the interview, Phillips announced her intention to support Wes Streeting in any future Labour leadership contest [2]. Streeting is viewed as a potential candidate to lead the party if a vacancy occurs.
Phillips' departure follows a period of tension regarding the party's direction and decision-making processes. The former minister said that her decision to resign was rooted in the belief that the current leadership style is ineffective for the party's goals [1].
The move places additional pressure on Starmer as he manages internal dissent while attempting to maintain a cohesive image for the electorate. By publicly backing a rival, Phillips has shifted from internal disagreement to an open call for a change in leadership [2].
“"Starmer lacks the drive to get anything done."”
The resignation of Jess Phillips and her explicit endorsement of Wes Streeting creates a visible fracture in the Labour Party. By framing the issue as a lack of 'drive' and a failure to listen, Phillips is attacking the fundamental competency of Starmer's leadership rather than debating specific policy points. This provides a blueprint and a public mandate for other dissatisfied MPs to align with alternative leadership candidates.
