Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is positioning himself to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader, according to party sources, following a challenging period for Starmer and ahead of potentially poor local election results in May.
Miliband's Growing Influence
Miliband has become increasingly outspoken in recent weeks, notably publicly disowning Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador and suggesting he and David Lammy had raised concerns about it. Supporters believe Miliband has an advantage over other potential leadership candidates such as Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting, who face various obstacles to a successful bid.
Obstacles for Other Contenders
However, some Labour MPs are hesitant about Miliband due to his previous leadership and the 2015 election defeat. Others favour Andy Burnham or defence minister Al Carns as alternative candidates. A leadership challenge is not anticipated before the local elections on 7 May, as Parliament will be prorogued until 13 May, which would be the earliest opportunity for a move against Starmer.
