Keir Starmer accused of 'wasting two years' in Government as Wes Streeting resignation sparks chaos

Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of "wasting two years in Government" as Wes Streeting triggered chaos with his resignation.

Speaking to GB News, Labour MP Graham Stringer hit out at the Prime Minister and declared he has "failed the country" and "failed as a leader".

Mr Stringer said: "I think we're definitely going to have an election, but it's not clear who is going to be in that election for a new leader.

"I think Keir Starmer has failed as both the leader of the Labour Party and the leader of the country and it is right that we look for somebody to replace him."

Looking ahead to a possible leadership challenge, Mr Stringer made clear he would want to "hear from all candidates" about how they would tackle the biggest issues facing the nation.

He told the People's Channel: "I would like to listen to the potential candidates, and I genuinely want to hear what their views are on energy, on illegal immigration, on the economy, on a change to the benefit system.

"All those issues are really difficult nettles to grasp, and I want to hear what their view is of how they plan to change."

Reflecting on the local elections last week, Mr Stringer declared that the message was "clear" from voters they no longer support a Labour Government.

He said: "We know the Prime Minister's failed, that message was clear in the ballot boxes last Thursday.

"So what I want to know is how people will deal with these very difficult problems and improve Labour's standing in the country."

The Labour MP expressed his "anger" at the state of the Labour Government, accusing Sir Keir of "wasting" two years in power.

He stated: "I am angry. I was optimistic two years ago. I didn't expect miracles overnight, but I expected at least an end to the chaos.

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"Keir has caused chaos with bad decisions leading to U-turns, and there have been some thoroughly bad decisions like the winter fuel allowance, cancelling local elections, reorganising local Government, not mentioned in the manifesto and not mentioned in the general election."

Mr Stringer fumed: "So I am angry at that. I'm angry that we've wasted two years, and I want to put somebody into place who can stabilise the situation and do the sort of things that a Labour Government should be doing."

Looking at possible leadership candidates within the party, Mr Stringer revealed he spoke with Al Carns, who told him he would "like to stand" should the challenge arise.

He told GB News: "I was in the Strangers Bar last night and Al Carns was in there. He said he wants to stand, and I certainly would look at Al Carns.

"I wouldn't say necessarily I'd support him, but he's got a working class background and he's had a stellar career in the Royal Marines. He was in the special services there, and yeah, we should listen to him."

Asked by host Dawn Neesom what he would say to Sir Keir if he was in the same room as him, Mr Stringer concluded he would encourage the PM to quit.

He said: "I'd say you've done your best, but you've failed.

"There's no shame in doing that. Being Prime Minister is difficult. Resign now, Keir."

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