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A Labour MP has urged crisis-hit Sir Keir Starmer to quit, saying it is a case of "if, not when" the Prime Minister resigns. Backbencher Jonathan Brash made the demand in the wake of the Lord Mandelson scandal, where the PM has been severely criticised over a lack of judgement in appointing the disgraced peer as ambassador to the US.

The Hartlepool MP's staggering intervention comes after two other Labour backbenchers, Clive Lewis and Peter Lamb, demanded that the PM step aside. Asked why Sir Keir should resign, Mr Brash said: "Because ultimately, we've become completely consumed by this turmoil at a time when that is not what the British public are focused on.

"They are focused on their cost of living. They are focused on the NHS. It's a reasonable thing to set a timetable to get this done in an orderly way, because we have got a very, very big job ahead of us."

Mr Brash told GB News no one in Labour expects the embattled Prime Minister to still be leading the Labour Party at the time of the next election.

"I've got to be clear, I am completely fed up to the back teeth of this psychodrama in Westminster, the own goals that are coming from the heart of this government," he said.

"Meanwhile, we've got fantastic Labour councillors, canvassers, activists up and down the country, working hard and delivering for their constituencies, like mine in Hartlepool, facing local elections in the shadow of this absolute mess. They just need to get a grip."

In an astonishing rant, the infuriated Labour MP added: "I genuinely think that, as far as the Prime Minister is concerned, it's not a case of if, it's when."

Sir Keir has been battling for his political survival after it emerged that Lord Mandelson's did not pass security vetting. The Prime Minister said he was not informed about the vetting failure, having previously told the House of Commons on several occasions that "due process" had been followed.

Mr Brash added: "I'm quite angry about it. Ultimately, we're in a situation now where I don't think anyone reasonably expects the Prime Minister to lead the party into the next election."

When asked if the PM would resign before the next election, a No 10 spokesman replied: "No."