Overview
- Backbenchers are split on timing, with some eyeing the New Year if the late‑November Budget lands badly and others preferring to wait until after May’s elections.
- One recent survey reported Labour at about 15% and in fourth place, trailing Reform UK, the Greens and the Conservatives.
- Rachel Reeves has signalled income tax rises that critics say would break a manifesto pledge, fuelling fears the Budget will deepen voter losses.
- Starmer’s brief COP30 trip to Brazil coincided with growing complaints about his communication style, as MPs trade descriptions such as “robotic” and circulate proposals for a media reboot.
- Loyalists argue Starmer rescued Labour and deserves time, but MPs warn support is leaking to Reform UK on the right and the Greens on the left.