Today’s newspaper headlines are gruesome for Labour – but on social media, supporters are hitting back

Today’s papers will not make pleasant reading for Miliband, following the rumours earlier this week that two Labour MPs have privately called for Miliband go. Here’s a round up of what is being reported in this morning’s papers:

The Mail on Sunday reports criticism of Miliband’s operation from Tristram Hunt (a story he quickly described a “total nonsense”), with senior MPs John Woodcock an Deputy Speaker Lindsay Hoyle also reported to have concerns. It’s reported that Hunt said

“I never believed the answer to Labour’s problems was to show people more of Ed Miliband. It was a ridiculous idea dreamed up by his advisers who have served him badly. It has been a complete failure. It is making things worse, not better. Ed has excellent qualities but that is not the way to show them. It is absurd.”

Although critical, this isn’t a rebellion against Miliband’s leadership. And it’s also worth noting that Hunt came out earlier in the week in defence of Miliband, saying:

 “We’re a united team, we’re united behind Ed. And we’re working hard for a Labour government.” 

Meanwhile, The Observer suggests that at least 20 shadow ministers are ‘on the brink’ of calling for Miliband to step down. The paper reports that many are calling for Alan Johnson to step up and challenge Miliband, quoting unnamed MPs who said:

“There isn’t a letter [demanding Miliband’s resignation] but there could be one very quickly” and “There is a significant number of frontbenchers who are concerned about Ed’s leadership – or lack of leadership – and would be ready to support someone who is a viable candidate. Alan is that candidate. If Alan indicated he would do it, there would be a massive move”.

The way this has been framed is significant because Johnson has on repeated occasions (the last time he spoke out about this was earlier in the week) said he would categorically not be making a leadership bid or looking to return to the front benches. Again, there are no MPs named and the story reads like it’s largely being told 2nd or 3rd hand.

The Sunday Times (£) is running with a story based on a YouGov Poll that argues Labour voters think Miliband is “unfit to be PM” – and there are more bad news stories scattered through the rest of the papers, all telling variations on a similar theme.

Yet before the newspaper front pages had emerged last night, a fightback from grassroots supporters of Labour and Miliband had begun. The hashtag #webackEd began trending on Twitter last night, and at the time of writing is still one of the UK’s biggest trending topics over 12 hours later.

Some of those offering their support included the following:

Which shows that despite an incredibly difficult week for the Labour leader, there is still support for Miliband out there in the country and the Labour movement.