Wes Streeting has secured the backing of enough Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer within days, according to reports. The Health Secretary, aged 43, is said to have the support of more than 81 of his parliamentary colleagues, the minimum threshold required to trigger a contest for the party's top position.
Streeting's Planned Bid
The Health Minister is reportedly weighing his next move, with insiders suggesting he could announce his challenge as early as next Friday, just a day after the local elections on May 7. The timing is strategic, aiming to capitalise on anticipated poor results for Labour, which could fuel anger among party members.
A Downing Street staff member is said to have mistakenly messaged details of Mr Streeting's intentions to the Prime Minister, including his 'PFG' (government plan) and the 'five pillars' of his leadership campaign. This accidental disclosure has alerted Number 10 to the brewing rebellion.
Burnham's Westminster Return
Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham plans to return to Westminster 'within weeks' to mount his own challenge against Sir Keir. According to The Guardian, Mr Burnham has identified several constituencies where MPs are willing to step aside, triggering by-elections that could pave the way for his return to Parliament.
Mr Burnham's supporters are reportedly trying to avoid a formal leadership contest, hoping instead to pressure Starmer to resign after what are expected to be disastrous local election results. Earlier this year, Mr Burnham was blocked by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election, citing concerns over costs and the risk of Reform UK winning the mayoralty.
Potential Candidates and Factions
Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, is reportedly in talks with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Mr Burnham about a possible soft Left coup, though she remains undecided about running. Mr Streeting's early bid could catch other potential candidates off guard, as they may not have their campaigns ready.
Constituencies across Merseyside and Greater Manchester are among those where MPs are reportedly prepared to stand aside for Mr Burnham. However, Labour MP for Bootle Peter Dowd has rejected suggestions he is making way for the mayor.
Official Responses
A spokesperson for Mr Streeting has insisted that the Health Secretary 'supports' Sir Keir and is 'completely focused on his job', noting that he has cut waiting lists to their lowest level in three years and improved ambulance response times. Housing Secretary Steve Reed warned against ousting the Prime Minister, calling it 'madness' and emphasising the need for unity to address the cost-of-living crisis and lack of investment.
Sir Keir could potentially announce his departure at Labour's September Party Conference, but peers may not wait if local results are poor. A Labour source predicted 'carnage', warning that the party could lose in areas it has never lost before, including parts of London, the Midlands, and the North.
The Daily Mail has approached Labour and Number 10 for comment.
