Burnley MP backs Starmer as Streeting leadership challenge looms
Burnley Labour MP Oliver Ryan has backed Sir Keir Starmer as Wes Streeting is poised to launch a bid for the party leadership.
Allies of the Health Secretary have said he will challenge the Prime Minister soon, sparking a contest for the top job.
However, Mr Ryan is one of more than 100 MPs who have signed a statement backing Sir Keir and saying now is not the time for a leadership election.
His intervention comes after parliamentary Labour colleagues, including Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith and Pendle and Clitheroe MP Jonathan Hinder, told the Prime Minister it was time for him to resign.
Mr Ryan said: “This is not the time for a leadership election.
“There are two wars going on, the gilt markets remain high and incredibly sensitive, people’s number one concern is still prices, rents and bills — then the boats.
“We should be cracking on with the job.
“There are three more years of this Parliament.”
Sir Keir, who met Mr Streeting for 17 minutes in 10 Downing Street on Wednesday morning, has given no indication of resigning as the King’s Speech to Parliament sets out the Government’s programme of legislation for the coming year.