Keir Starmer’s stance on Gaza could cost his party in the General Election as Tories raise hopes of denying a Labour victory in highly marginal seats

A Muslim backlash against Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on Gaza could cost the party key seats this week.

Tory sources raised hopes that they could deny Labour victory in highly marginal Peterborough – a seat won by Tory Paul Bristow by just 2,580 at the last General Election.

Nearly one in five of the constituency’s residents are Muslim, sparking Labour fears that they could vent their anger at Sir Keir’s refusal last year to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Many pro-Palestinian voters were also outraged after the Labour leader appeared to suggest Israel had a right to limit essential supplies to the territory, only later clarifying that it should not withhold humanitarian aid.

Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on Gaza could cost him victory in some marginal seats, including Peterborough

Paul Bristow, who won Peterborough by just 2,580 votes, openly called for a ceasefire in Gaza last October

In stark contrast, Mr Bristow – who is seeking re-election in the seat – openly called for a ceasefire in Gaza as long ago as last October. He was promptly sacked from his role as a Parliamentary Private Secretary to Science Secretary Michelle Donelan.

Mr Bristow said: ‘I can now talk openly about an issue so many of my constituents care deeply about. I believe I can do this better from the backbenches rather than as part of the government payroll.’

A few weeks later, Sir Keir suffered a raft of resignations by Labour frontbenchers over his stance on Gaza.

Earlier this month, there were reports that Labour was redirecting activists to campaign in seats with substantial Muslim populations.