LONDON: Britain was in political turmoil on Sunday as the ramifications of life outside the European Union dawned equally on those who voted to leave or remain in the June 23 referendum, reaffirming Harold Wilson’s dictum that a week is a long time in politics.
In the wake of Prime Minister David Cameron announcing his decision to resign – thus seen as a caretaker or the head of a ‘zombie’ government– observers said there was a distinct sense of drift.
A coup of sorts was underway against Labour leader Jeremy Corby na ft er shadow foreign secretary Hilary Benn asked him to resign for failure to provide leadership. Benn was promptly sacked, while shadow health secretary Heidi Alexander also resigned.
Seema Malhotra, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, has also resigned, surprising many because she was considered close to Corbyn.
Corbyn and his aides insisted he will not resign, and would be a candidate in case of a leadership contest .
The Tori es were equally in turmoil, with leaders and MPs making it clear that the election of Boris Johnson as the leader and the next prime minister was not a foregone conclusion. Home secretary Theresa May was seen as the best “stop Boris” candidate.
A group called “Anyone But Boris” has come together within the party, mainly comprising pro-David Cameron individuals. As Cameron announced, the next party leader will need to be in place by October, and take over the next government to start Brexit talks with Brussels.
{{/usCountry}}A group called “Anyone But Boris” has come together within the party, mainly comprising pro-David Cameron individuals. As Cameron announced, the next party leader will need to be in place by October, and take over the next government to start Brexit talks with Brussels.
{{/usCountry}}Benn said there was concern about Corbyn’s “leadership and his ability to win an election.” He said he had phoned the Labour leader to tell him “I had lost confidence in his ability to lead the party and he dismissed me.”
“At this absolutely critical time for our country following the EU referendum result, the Labour Party needs strong and effective leadership to hold the government to account,” Benn told BBC. “We don’t currently have that and there is also no confidence we would be able to win a general election as long as Jeremy remains leader.”
Meanwhile, a petition on parliament’ s website to have another EU referendum gathered over three million signatures.
However, political leaders said there was ‘zero’ chance of it succeeding.