Sir Keir Starmer is facing a deepening Labour rebellion over his stance on Gaza with up to 15 shadow ministers on resignation watch.
The Labour leader has sparked fury within his party over his refusal to back a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Up to 15 shadow ministers are being closely watched for signs they are about to quit, according to the Guardian, with four frontbenchers prepared to go in the coming days.
None are understood to be in the shadow cabinet.
One Labour frontbencher told the newspaper: “My position has always been the only way forward is a ceasefire. The pause will not solve the problem. Someone needs to say enough is enough.”
Imran Hussain, MP for Bradford East, yesterday became the first shadow minister to step down in protest over Sir Keir’s position on Gaza.
At least 16 shadow ministers have already called for a ceasefire or shared others’ calls on social media but they have not been sacked.
Meanwhile, around 30 Labour councillors have resigned in fury at the party leadership.
In a speech last week, Sir Keir defended his calls for a humanitarian pause rather than a permanent end to the fighting.
He said a permanent ceasefire at this stage could leave Hamas with the capability to carry out further attacks in Israel.
A Labour party spokesperson said: “Labour fully understands calls for a ceasefire. Everybody wants to see an end to the shocking images we are seeing in Gaza.
“We need to see all hostages released and aid getting to those most in need.
“But a ceasefire now will only freeze this conflict and would leave hostages in Gaza and Hamas with the infrastructure and capability to carry out the sort of attack we saw on 7 October.
“International law must be followed at all times and innocent civilians must be protected. Labour is calling for humanitarian pauses in the fighting.
“This is the best and most realistic way to address the humanitarian emergency in Gaza and is a position shared by our major allies.”
