Party Discipline Crumbles as Shadow Ministers Call for Suspension of Hostilities

Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, is facing a growing mutiny as more than a dozen frontbench MPs publicly defy him to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. Party discipline appears to be crumbling as senior figures in the Shadow Cabinet privately lobby Sir Keir to back down. Around four shadow ministers are reportedly on resignation watch, but sources say they are holding off quitting because "if one goes they all have to go".

Frontbenchers Openly Turn the Screw on Sir Keir

Frontbenchers Naz Shah, Afzal Khan, and Sarah Owen are among those openly turning the screw on Sir Keir. Shadow domestic violence minister Jess Phillips has also shared calls for a ceasefire on her social media. They join other Labour big names like London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in calling for a suspension of hostilities. "At this rate Keir Starmer is going to be the only one not calling for a ceasefire," one Labour insider said.

Revolt Could Cost Labour Seats with Large Muslim Populations

MPs are concerned that the revolt could cost them seats with large Muslim populations. Some Muslim councillors have already quit Labour in protest, and community members have launched grassroots campaigns to remove top Labour MPs Jon Ashworth in Leicester South and Jim McMahon in Oldham West and Royton. There are fears that councillors may defect to George Galloway's party or Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman.

Labour MPs Face Abuse and Death Threats

Labour MPs have revealed that they have been inundated with abuse over the situation in Gaza. Some senior Labour figures have even received death threats. The revolt among MPs extends to their own parliamentary staff, who are calling on them to demand an immediate ceasefire. The party is reportedly more divided than ever, and people are questioning whether any meaningful change has occurred.

Meanwhile, the SNP First Minister for Scotland, Humza Yousaf, has shared that he has not heard from his in-laws trapped in Gaza since Friday morning.