Union chief calls for Angela Rayner to replace Keir Starmer or risk Labour defeat to Reform UK

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Kiran Stacey Policy editorFebruary 12, 2026 at 07:01 PM

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A Labour-affiliated union leader, Maryam Eslamdoust of the TSSA, has publicly called for Angela Rayner to replace Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour Party. Eslamdoust expressed concern that Starmer's leadership could lead to a significant defeat against Nigel Farage's Reform UK in upcoming elections. This call comes after a difficult week for Starmer, marked by staff departures and criticism from the Scottish Labour leader. Eslamdoust cited a series of poor political judgments and a lack of trust in Starmer as reasons for her call, suggesting Labour is likely to lose the Gorton and Denton byelection later this month. While Rayner's spokesperson stated there is "no contest and no vacancy," this marks the first open call from a union leader for Starmer to be ousted, adding to the pressure on his leadership.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Peter Mandelson 40% Jeremy Corbyn 40% Downing Street 40% Anas Sarwar ×250% Nigel Farage 60% Gorton and Denton ×260% Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) ×270% Reform UK 70% Labour Party ×380% Maryam Eslamdoust ×280% Angela Rayner ×790% Keir Starmer ×690%

Keywords

labour party 100% keir starmer 90% angela rayner 90% leadership challenge 80% union leader 70% election defeat 70% woman leader 60% reform uk 60% political judgment 50% tssa 40%