LONDON (AP): British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rejected calls for his resignation from within his own party. He has also challenged his opponents to formally trigger a leadership election if they can gather the necessary support.
According to Labor Party rules, a leadership challenge requires the backing of at least one-fifth of the party’s MPs (81 people). If one or more candidates secure this level of support, a vote against Starmer will take place.
At least 100 MPs have publicly called for Starmer’s resignation. However, no formal steps have been taken to change the leadership. It is believed that 81 MPs could be persuaded to sign – a very small number of union leaders. Nevertheless, three are still being kept onside: Owen Smith, Andy Burnham, and Angela Rayner.
Currently, there are two factions within the Labor Party. Those who want a swift change in leadership are siding with Health Secretary Wes Streeting. On the other hand, those who want a smooth transition of power favor Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester. Young voters are also giving significance to Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister.
Among the three, Streeting is known as the leader of the Labour Party’s right-wing faction. On the other hand, Burnham has been dubbed Britain’s most popular politician in various public opinion polls. He is the proponent of the concept of ‘Manchesterism,’ which primarily advocates for business-friendly policies and aspirations for socialism.
Angela Rayner’s clear-cut stance in British politics has attracted many young voters. She is also quite popular among older socialist activists. Rayner grew up in the midst of extreme poverty in Manchester. At the age of just 16, she became a mother. She worked as a representative of the Trade Union and entered politics from there.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report