The Labour MP called for urgent cabinet discussions and warned the party risks “drifting” without stronger leadership and direction.
By TRH World Desk
New Delhi, May 10, 2026 — Catherine West has intensified pressure on the UK Labour leadership, warning that the party risks drifting without a clear political strategy following disappointing election results and rising internal dissatisfaction.
Speaking to Times Radio, the Labour MP suggested she could seek support from fellow Members of Parliament if the party leadership failed to respond decisively to mounting concerns within its ranks.
“That’s not for me to say, that’s for the nominations to go forward,” West said when asked about a possible leadership challenge. “If I continue to see no response, then I will have to do what I’ve said I’m going to do and put an email around and ask members of Parliament to back me.”
West said her comments were aimed at forcing the leadership to confront what she described as a growing lack of direction. According to her, Labour urgently needs a coherent political plan capable of reassuring both MPs and voters.
“At the moment I think we’re drifting and I don’t think that there’s a plan,” she said. “My tactic is about trying to have the leadership wake up to the fact that we need a plan and we need to go forward on that.”
The Labour MP also dismissed suggestions that internal debates should be avoided because of ongoing global crises, including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as economic instability.
Responding to arguments reportedly coming from 10 Downing Street and senior ministers that party unity should take priority, West instead called for urgent leadership discussions behind closed doors.
“That’s why I think it would be really good and very grown up if the cabinet sat inside a closed room either tonight or tomorrow and came out with a plan that they defend and lead on,” she said.
West framed the debate as a broader ideological struggle over the future direction of Britain, arguing that Labour must continue prioritising public services and working families rather than allowing political momentum to shift toward wealthy elites and billionaire influence.
Her remarks come at a sensitive moment for the Labour government as it faces pressure over economic management, public services and voter confidence following recent electoral setbacks.
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