For the first time since Corbyn’s election as Labour leader, membership has decreased to below 500,000, attributed to discontent with Starmer’s attitude towards his predecessor.
Last week, Starmer backed the decision to dismiss Corbyn from the party following his comments on the EHRC’s report on anti-Semitism, which he said had been “dramatically overstated for political reasons”.
Following the decision to readmit the former leader into the party, Starmer refused to return to party whip to Corbyn, meaning he would have to sit as an Independent MP in Parliament.
Following criticism from union leaders (most notably Len McCluskey) and former Shadow Cabinet Corbyn-loyalists like Diane Abbott, John McDonnell and Ian Lavery, Labour members appear to be feeling some discontent with the new, centre-left leader.
In addition, Ian Lavery has threatened Starmer with a leadership challenge. A video released on YouTube demanding change from several Corbynite MPs, including Abbot and McDonnell, was covered by right-wing political commentator Mahyar Tousi.
Lavery reportedly accussed Sir Keir of pursuing a “personal and political vendetta”.
