Labour MPs have been warned they may “rue the day” Sir Keir Starmer was shown the door by a loyalist to the outgoing Prime Minister.
Speaking to GB News, John Slinger also delivered his verdict on the expected next occupant of No10, Andy Burnham.
The Prime Minister announced his decision to step down on Monday after the former Manchester Mayor romped to victory in the Makerfield by-election.
Despite huge momentum among Labour MPs behind Mr Burnham, Mr Slinger warned they may soon regret Sir Keir’s departure.
“I think people will reflect, and they’ll look back, and some will even rue the day,” the Rugby MP told GB News.
“They will think, ‘actually hold on a minute, this guy did a very, very good job on the international stage, which is very important for British jobs, British security, but also on the economy.’
“Things aren’t perfect. There have been really big challenges, and mistakes have been made.
“But the economic factors were moving in the right direction, slowly but surely.”
A Labour MP has warned that his party will ‘rue the day’ Keir Starmer was shown the door
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The Labour MP predicted that Sir Keir’s successor will eventually come under the same intense pressure that blighted Sir Keir’s premiership.
“Whoever is the next Prime Minister will be facing exactly the same challenges that Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves and the wider Government have been facing,” he said.
“A new Prime Minister will bring a different approach, emphasis, and communication style. But the challenges remain.”
Mr Slinger also appeared to distance himself from jubilant scenes in Westminster following Mr Burnham’s arrival to be sworn in as an MP.
‘Whoever is the next Prime Minister is will be facing exactly the same challenges that Keir Starmer has been facing, John Slinger said
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GB NEWS
The Rugby MP was asked why he was absent from a widely shared group photograph of Mr Burnham and Labour MPs.
“If you analyse the photo very carefully, you won’t see my face,” he explained.
“I totally understand that the Parliamentary Labour Party wants to come together and wants to move on from what’s been a very difficult phase.
“I also understand that friends and colleagues and supporters of Andy Burnham are excited. And of course, I’m delighted that he won the by-election. And so I think that’s natural and it’s perfectly understandable.”
Mr Slinger also said Sir Keir’s resignation had been “a sad day” and called for reflection rather than celebration.
“This is a man of dignity and decency in public service who has sacrificed more than most people can ever imagine in order to serve his country,” the Labour loyalist said.
He praised the Prime Minister’s efforts to root out antisemitism within the Labour Party, rebuild the party’s credibility and lead it back into government.
“I think that Keir Starmer has done a good job in government, but more importantly than that, he worked incredibly hard to change the Labour Party, root out antisemitism, get us into shape to win a general election,” he said.