Left-wingers predict humiliating mayoral defeat for Sir Keir Starmer (Image: Getty)
Labour left-wingers believe Sir Keir Starmer could suffer a humiliating defeat in a key mayoral election after a row over the choice of candidate.
Former North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll quickly raised ￡112,000 to fund his bid to stand as an independent in next May’s election for the expanded role of North East Mayor. He had been barred from standing for his own party, Labour.
An insider said: “There’s a danger Jamie could win. He’s been badly treated by the party and it’s hard to understand how we got into this mess.” The North East Mayor will serve a number of red wall seats that switched to the Tories in 2019 and could help determine the outcome of the next general election.
There is anger among activists after he was excluded from the shortlist for Labour’s candidate.
The party said it was because he once shared a platform with film director Ken Loach, who has been expelled from Labour. But Mr Driscoll’s supporters believe he was victimised for supporting ex leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Another Labour MP said: “People who leave their parties and stand as independents get a handful of votes.”
READ MORE: 'Good news for Rishi Sunak' - PM fights back as odds drift on Labour majority
Sir Keir blames Sadiq Khan for by-election loss
A war of words erupted in Labour last night between Sir Keir Starmer and Sadiq Khan after the party’s by-election defeat in west London.
Sir Keir blamed the London mayor for the loss in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, claiming his plan to extend ultra low emission zones across the capital had handed victory to the Tories.
The Ulez scheme, already in force in central London, means owners of some older cars must pay a ￡12.50 daily charge to use their vehicles. Tories had focused relentlessly on the scheme.
Sir Keir said: “We are doing something very wrong if policies put forward by the Labour Party end up on each and every Tory leaflet. We’ve got to face up to that and learn the lessons.”
A source close to Mr Khan said: “Sadiq has always said that expanding the Ulez was a really difficult decision, but necessary to save the lives of Londoners.”
Nature presenter Chris Packham, below, urged Labour to “stick to their guns”. He said: “What are you going to do? Do you want to protect life on Earth?
“Or is it just about you getting into office? They’ve got to stick to their guns here.”
Related articles 'Good news for Rishi Sunak' - PM fights back as odds drift on Labour majority Keir Starmer pins blame of loss on Sadiq Khan and hints at ULEZ U-turn Angela Rayner has revealed Labour's plot to roll out hated ULEZ scheme across UK Chris Packham says Labour should 'stick to their guns' on ULEZ debate Starmer is not a fool and is making worryingly clever moves, says Rees-Mogg
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