Labour Faces Deputy Leader Contest Amid Infighting, Accusations of 'Stitch-Up'

Keir Starmer's Labour government is facing significant internal turmoil following the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, with a contentious race underway to replace her that threatens to deepen party divisions. Labour's ruling national executive committee has announced an expedited six-week contest for the deputy leadership, a move criticized by left-wing MPs as a 'stitch-up' designed to exclude grassroots members and silence serious debate about the party's recent failures. The contest has sparked fierce infighting, particularly between Starmer's centrist leadership and the party's hard-left faction, who are mobilizing to challenge his authority with candidates like Emily Thornberry expected to run. Critics argue that recent rule changes, including a higher nomination threshold, disproportionately hinder left-wing candidates, exacerbating tensions and raising concerns about the party's ability to unify and effectively respond to challenges from rivals like Nigel Farage's Reform UK. The infighting occurs amid broader debates within Labour over key issues such as welfare reform, immigration, and foreign policy, further complicating Starmer's leadership and the party's future direction. Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and other prominent left-wing figures have publicly condemned the leadership's handling of the process, warning it could alienate members and weaken Labour's electoral prospects.