MPs back Starmer to stay

May 18, 2026

mary-glindon — Mary Glindon. Photo: Chronicle Live.

Numerous North East Labour MPs have signed a letter backing Sir Keir Starmer to stay on as Prime Minister, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Daniel Holland.

More than 100 MPs were named on a letter released on Tuesday, saying it is “no time for a leadership contest”.

The Prime Minister’s job has been in severe peril over recent days, following a crushing set of local election results that included the loss of councils in Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, and South Tyneside.

Sir Keir met with potential challenger Wes Streeting in Downing Street on Wednesday morning ahead of the King’s Speech, amid reports that the health secretary was backing down from an immediate leadership bid.

The North East figures who signed the letter warning against a leadership contest were North Durham MP Luke Akehurst, Newcastle West and Wallsend’s Mary Glindon, Darlington’s Lola McAvoy, Blaydon and Consett’s Liz Twist, Bishop Auckland’s Sam Rushworth, and Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor’s Alan Strickland.

Mr Rushworth said on Tuesday night: “I will always put the country first. We face serious challenges – threats from abroad, fragile international relations, a global oil price shock threatening our living standards, and weak public services after 14 years of decline. The government needs time to get on with the job.”

Several other MPs from our region have called on Sir Keir to go, in the wake of the local election drubbing last week.

Among them was Hexham MP Joe Morris, who also resigned from his position as parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to Mr Streeting.

Newcastle North’s Catherine McKinnell urged that the party appoint a new leader with a “a clear unwavering sense of direction, a proven track record of delivery, and an ability to connect with voters on the left, right and centre”.

She said on Monday: “It’s vital we now see a swift and orderly transition so we can get on with delivering on our promise of change. The voting public have been crystal clear we have no time to lose.”