Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has communicated to his allies that he is ready to dismiss Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves if she disrupts party unity. This stance comes as Labour is projected to potentially secure a supermajority in upcoming elections, increasing Starmer's need to maintain control over the party.
In related developments, Labour insiders have discussed plans to replace Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle if Labour wins a supermajority. Hoyle faces criticism, particularly from Conservatives, over his handling of a controversial Gaza vote.
In contrasting political events, PM Rishi Sunak and Starmer both fielded tough questions during The Sun's election event. Sunak criticized Labour’s stance on migration, asserting that illegal migrants are waiting in Calais to enter the UK under a Labour government. Sunak also defended his party’s migration policies, emphasizing a reduction in net migration numbers.
Starmer defended his past role in Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet, attributing it to a desire to influence key issues and position Labour for future recovery post-Corbyn. He also touched on the current system for gender transition, labeling it as not "dignified," and emphasized protection for single-sex spaces.
The event highlighted the contrasting stances of both leaders ahead of the general election, covering topics like economic policies, migration, and political accountability.