Labour's unity in focus
Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his desire for Labour to be "as united as we can" following the resignation of eight frontbenchers over the party's stance on the Gaza ceasefire vote. Despite the departures, it has been revealed that some of the axed rebels, including Jess Phillips, may still have a chance at securing top positions if Labour comes to power.
Focusing on Gaza, not party management
Speaking at a distillery in Glenrothes, Fife, Sir Keir emphasized that his focus was on "alleviating the situation in Gaza" rather than "party management." While expressing regret over the MPs who couldn't support the party's position, he expressed his desire for the party to move forward united.
Working towards a Labour government
Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey expressed confidence that the rebels who resigned would continue to work towards securing a Labour government. Jess Phillips also stated her willingness to be an asset to Keir Starmer. However, the possibility of their return to the frontbench remains uncertain.
Healey commented, "That's for well down the track. They were frontbenchers before the vote last night. They are backbenchers now. All of them, I know, will work with us together to secure a Labour government."
