This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29935172
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Ed Miliband 'facing calls to quit' | Ed Miliband 'facing calls to quit' |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Some Labour MPs have told the chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party that Ed Miliband should stand down, sources have told the BBC. | Some Labour MPs have told the chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party that Ed Miliband should stand down, sources have told the BBC. |
One backbencher said he had called for the leader to go, and had been told by a colleague that he had done likewise. | One backbencher said he had called for the leader to go, and had been told by a colleague that he had done likewise. |
Another said he was sure lots of MPs were making the same request of the PLP's chairman, MP Dave Watts. | |
Amid increasingly vocal discontent, Mr Miliband intends to attempt a fightback later on Thursday. | |
It is understood his leadership was also openly questioned at a meeting of Labour MPs from the north west of England earlier this week. | It is understood his leadership was also openly questioned at a meeting of Labour MPs from the north west of England earlier this week. |
Sources say they discussed moving to a defensive strategy in a bid to hold on to their seats, rather than fight an offensive one aimed winning the election. | |
'No distraction' | 'No distraction' |
One MP told me: "People were openly saying the leadership is failing this and we've got a problem winning seats in May." | One MP told me: "People were openly saying the leadership is failing this and we've got a problem winning seats in May." |
Another normally loyal backbencher said: "I think there's been a sharp downturn in mood over the last few days." | Another normally loyal backbencher said: "I think there's been a sharp downturn in mood over the last few days." |
There was a mood, the backbencher said, that "we just can't go on like this". | There was a mood, the backbencher said, that "we just can't go on like this". |
The New Statesman, which backed Mr Miliband's leadership campaign in 2010, published a critical article suggesting he "doesn't really understand the lower-middle class or material aspiration". | |
Mr Miliband is expected to directly address the criticism of his leadership on a regional visit later on Thursday. | |
Shadow chancellor Ed Balls dismissed reports of a plot to oust Mr Miliband, telling the BBC: "I think all this is nonsense, to be honest. I've no idea about any of this." | |
A Labour source said: "We have spent four years being united as a party in a determination to be a one-term opposition. We're not going to be distracted by noises-off now." | A Labour source said: "We have spent four years being united as a party in a determination to be a one-term opposition. We're not going to be distracted by noises-off now." |
I'm also told there was a social gathering of Labour MPs from the 2010 intake last night at which the leadership was discussed, although the group gather regularly. | I'm also told there was a social gathering of Labour MPs from the 2010 intake last night at which the leadership was discussed, although the group gather regularly. |
Privately some MPs are said to think the party is in "meltdown". | Privately some MPs are said to think the party is in "meltdown". |
Mr Watts did not respond to calls. | Mr Watts did not respond to calls. |
Critics and supporters of Miliband alike said they had no knowledge of a letter being circulated by backbenchers aimed at removing him. | |
One supportive shadow minister said: "I'm not aware of any letter and I'm not aware of any conspiracy." | One supportive shadow minister said: "I'm not aware of any letter and I'm not aware of any conspiracy." |
He dismissed the criticism of Miliband, blaming "serial dissenters". |