Sir Keir Starmer is confronting a significant leadership crisis, with at least four Cabinet members, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, reportedly urging him to resign and set a timetable for his departure ahead of a crucial weekly meeting. There is mounting speculation that Wes Streeting, the Shadow Health Secretary, is planning to launch a leadership challenge, with Labour sources indicating a bid is expected on Tuesday.
Growing Calls for Change
More than 80 Labour MPs are now publicly calling for a change in the party's leadership following what Sir Keir described as "tough" local election results. The pressure has intensified, with ministers openly discussing the possibility of a leadership contest.
Public Opinion on Potential Successors
A recent YouGov poll indicates that Andy Burnham is the most favoured alternative to Sir Keir among the public, with 34 per cent believing he would do a better job. However, his return to Westminster would take months, as he is currently the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Other potential leadership contenders, according to the YouGov poll, include Angela Rayner at 15 per cent, and Wes Streeting and Ed Miliband both at 13 per cent. The poll suggests that while there is significant discontent with Starmer's leadership, the public does not overwhelmingly back any single rival.
Denials and Speculation
Despite the rumours, a minister claimed that Wes Streeting cannot be planning a leadership coup because he went to the cinema, dismissing the speculation as unfounded. Nonetheless, Labour sources expect a formal leadership bid from Streeting as early as Tuesday.
The coming days will be critical for Starmer's future, as the party grapples with internal divisions and poor electoral performance. The outcome of the weekly meeting could determine whether he remains at the helm or faces a formal challenge.
