More than 100 Labour MPs sign statement against Starmer leadership challenge

Supporters of PM say it shows he has majority backing after more than 80 MPs call on him to quit

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More than 100 Labour MPs have signed a statement saying this is “no time for a leadership contest”, as Keir Starmer told his cabinet he would not stand down while a formal leadership contest had not been triggered.

The letter, coordinated by backbenchers, has been signed by 103 MPs, including parliamentary private secretaries. Organisers say it did not come from No 10, though MPs said it had been circulated by government whips.