Words by ITV News Producer, Kieran Carter<\/p>\n
At least 78 MPs are prepared to oust Sir Keir Starmer, as he faces ongoing questions around his leadership in the wake of last week’s devastating election results for the Labour Party. <\/p>\n
ITV News has spoken to and tracked online 73 MPs who think the prime minister should immediately set out a timeline for his departure – and a further five who believe he should leave if things do not improve.<\/p>\n
In a message sent to all 403 members of the parliamentary Labour Party, ITV News asked whether, in the wake of a speech delivered by the PM on Monday morning, they still had confidence Starmer was the right person to lead their party.<\/p>\n
In responses made publicly online, and given directly to ITV News, nearly 15% of Labour MPs said they did not.<\/p>\n
In a speech on Monday, the prime minister told the British public “incremental change won’t cut it”, as he pledged to go further on defence, energy and in forging closer ties with Europe.<\/p>\n
His words came against a backdrop of a leadership challenge ultimatum from backbench MP Catherine West, who described the speech as “too little too late”.<\/p>\n
West herself initially promised to launch her own leadership bid in an attempt to force a cabinet member to stand down.<\/p>\n
She has since appeared to ride back on these threats, instead messaging Labour colleagues to ask for their support in urging the PM to set out a timeframe for his departure.<\/p>\n
At the time of writing, ITV News has spoken to and tracked at least 70 MPs who agree with West’s proposal for the PM to go, or say that if things don’t change soon, he should leave. <\/p>\n