Labour's internal strife has deepened as rival factions engaged in a war of words over Health Secretary Wes Streeting's anticipated leadership challenge, with Angela Rayner also signalling her potential candidacy.
Streeting's Leadership Ambitions
Allies of the Health Secretary indicated that he has secured the backing of the 81 Labour MPs required to trigger a leadership contest. However, they suggested he is delaying any formal announcement due to mounting pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to step down following Labour's poor electoral performance last week.
Downing Street, however, insisted that Mr Streeting lacks the necessary support. The Prime Minister's spokesman reiterated that Sir Keir would fight any leadership challenge, stating that "the Labour Party has a process for challenging a leader and that has not been triggered."
Rayner's Potential Bid
Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner revealed on Thursday that she has been cleared by HMRC of deliberate wrongdoing over her tax affairs, removing a significant obstacle to a leadership bid. She admitted she might enter the race but stressed she would not initiate one.
Ms Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, settled £40,000 in unpaid stamp duty but faced no penalty following the HMRC investigation. The tax row had previously forced her resignation from the government and cast doubt on her leadership prospects.
She criticised Mr Streeting, suggesting he would need to "justify his actions" if he launches a bid.
Behind-the-Scenes Briefing
Sources close to Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones denied rumours that he was telling MPs Sir Keir would resign, stating: "No. He spent six hours last night talking MPs down and I've been briefing all morning Wes is well short on numbers." They accused Mr Streeting's team of making "mischief" by briefing that senior ministers could visit Downing Street to ask Sir Keir to go.
No 10 publicly expressed full confidence in Mr Streeting, although the Prime Minister's spokesman credited "decisions taken by this Government" for improvements in NHS waiting times rather than the Health Secretary personally.
Chancellor's Warning
Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned colleagues against "plunging the country into chaos" by destabilising the government, particularly after figures showed GDP growth in the first quarter of the year.
While 87 MPs have publicly called for Sir Keir's resignation, they remain divided over a successor. Potential contenders include Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, armed forces minister Al Carns, and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, though the latter would need to secure a parliamentary seat first.
