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Miliband dismisses MP criticism claims as 'nonsense' | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Ed Miliband has dismissed reports of unrest among Labour MPs over his leadership of the party as "nonsense". | |
Some backbenchers have told the chairman of the parliamentary party that he should stand down, sources say. | |
It is also understood his leadership was questioned at a meeting of Labour MPs from north-west England this week. | |
But, speaking on a visit to Northamptonshire, Mr Miliband said: "We remain focused on this country and how we can make this country work again." | |
He told the BBC: "I don't accept that this matter (concern over his leadership) arises." | |
Sources say the MPs from north-west England 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 the BBC's Ross Hawkins: "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." There was a feeling, they added, that "we just can't go on like this". | |
The New Statesman magazine, 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". | |
But shadow chancellor Ed Balls also 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." |
The BBC has learned there was a social gathering of Labour MPs from the 2010 intake on Wednesday at which the leadership was discussed, although the group gathers regularly. | |
Critics and supporters of Miliband alike said they had no knowledge of a letter being circulated by backbenchers aimed at removing him. | 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." He dismissed the criticism of Miliband, blaming "serial dissenters". | |