Labour MPs are turning on Starmer in droves.

Starmer (Image: Getty)

Text messages from Labour MPs expressing their fury with Keir Starmer have been revealed as the Prime Minister fights for his political life.

Sky News political editor Bethy Rigby rattled off two texts from Labour MPs live on television, expressing their contempt for the PM after his speech on Monday morning. Sir Keir pledged to put Britain at the “heart of Europe” and nationalise British Steel as he faced a room of journalists while trying to defend his position amid widespread calls for his resignation. Ms Rigby said: “I think it fell a bit short. While he was speaking a few MPs messaged me.”

Get the latest politics news – straight from our team in Westminster and more Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

“One said ‘nothing says I get it like reading an autocue about what you are feeling. Another messaged me and said this is vague and meaningless and nowhere near good enough.”

She added that within minutes of the PM sitting down, Labour MP for North Northumberland David Smith said he thought Keir Starmer should resign.

Sir Keir’s 20-minute speech came as a desperate attempt to get MPs back on side after catastrophic Local Election losses. Labour lost 1,496 seats as Reform UK made monumental gains of 1,451 across the UK, and the Greens won support in the Capital.

When asked by Ms Rigby if he should step aside, Sir Keir made it clear he had no plans to leave, and said it would plunge the country into chaos.

In an attempt to rally support, Sir Keir has also appointed predecessor Gordon Brown and former deputy leader Harriet Harman to advisory roles in Number 10.

Despite his efforts, MP Catherine West is trying to rally 81 colleagues to trigger a leadership contest, so Labour can oust the PM.

The former foreign minister said she has the support of 10 MPs on Saturday, and she hoped by going public she could reach 81 – the number needed to trigger the contest.