Labour civil war erupts as Ed Miliband ‘refuses to take Keir Starmer’s calls’Ed Miliband has reportedly 'ghosted' the Prime Minister amid tensions over the defence budget in the latest bout of Labour in-fighting. By Eleanor Burleigh 10:44, Wed, Jun 17, 2026 Updated: 10:46, Wed, Jun 17, 2026
Tensions between Ed Miliband and Keir Starmer have reportedly reached boiling point (Image: Getty). Ed Miliband has reportedly 'ghosted' Sir Keir Starmer in the latest sign of a civil war brewing in the Labour Party. Sir Keir's premiership has come under increasing threat in recent months, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham pledging to launch a leadership bid if he is elected in the Makerfield by-election on Thursday. But tensions are also brewing inside the Prime Minister's Cabinet following the resignation of Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Defence Secretary John Healey, reports suggest.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband declined to take calls from Sir Keir during the spat over defence spending that saw Mr Healey quit his role earlier this month, according to The Times. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more Subscribe Invalid email. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy.
Mr Miliband was one of the first high-profile figures to break ranks with the Prime Minister after Labour's disastrous performance in the local elections, privately urging him to consider setting out a timeline for his departure, it is understood. The relationship between the once-close pair appears to have deteriorated further in the intervening weeks, with sources relaying Sir Keir's 'fury' over Mr Miliband's 'betrayal'. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Keir Starmer just revealed his desperate plan to stop Andy Burnham - he's finished. Keir Starmer’s EU dream in tatters as damning verdict hits Labour Remoaners hard. Andy Burnham has pledged to challenge Keir Starmer for the leadership if he becomes an MP (Image: Getty). The Prime Minister repeatedly tried to reach Mr Miliband amid fears that he could quit over the prospect of cuts to his department to fund the defence budget and was effectively 'ghosted', the Times's State of It podcast revealed.
A spokesperson for Mr Miliband rejected the claims, insisting the pair did speak and denying that the Energy Secretary ignored Mr Starmer's calls. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT. Labour's resident net zero zealot eventually accepted a 1% cut to his department to fund a bigger defence settlement, but Mr Healey warned that the UK's defence spending plan 'falls well short of what is required' in his resignation letter. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT.
The fresh bout of in-fighting comes ahead of the Makerfield by-election on Thursday, with Mr Burnham making no secret of his leadership ambitions if he manages to fend off the threat from Reform UK to win the seat. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT. The Prime Minister said on Wednesday that he would not walk away from his post and intends to fight any challenge.
Speaking to Sky News, he described Mr Burnham as a 'great asset' and hinted he would invite him to join his Cabinet by suggesting he should have 'a big role in government'. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT. 'I don't think there should be a challenge,' he added. 'I think history, particularly the last government, shows that that isn't a successful way for a government to behave. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT. 'But if there is a challenge, then I intend to fight. I'm not going to walk away from that, and I've been clear and consistent about that.'
Mr Streeting also claimed to have the backing of the 80 MPs required to launch a leadership contest this week after accusing Sir Keir of not listening to the party or his Cabinet in a series of public appearances.
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