Keir Starmer is fighting for his political survival as around 40 Labour MPs urge him to set a date to step down, following disastrous local election results. The prime minister’s prospects of remaining in No 10 appeared to be fading on Sunday, with potential leadership rivals beginning to position themselves.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is understood to be preparing for a possible contest, though he does not want to be the first to move against Starmer. An ally said Streeting was not planning to challenge but was readying himself if “it all falls apart”. Meanwhile, former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner warned Starmer he needed to “meet the moment”, with her supporters indicating she was prepared to run for leader if the opportunity arose.
Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, is seen as a leading candidate to replace Starmer, but he cannot enter parliament without a by-election. His backers are trying to prevent a swift challenge that would favour Streeting, Rayner or other cabinet figures. Labour backbencher Catherine West is gathering support for a “stalking horse” challenge to force Starmer to resign, though her attempt has been described by one Burnham supporter as “chaotic”.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle acknowledged the government had “dwelt too much in the challenge” and said the window of opportunity had narrowed. He called for boldness in Starmer’s upcoming speech. The prime minister is expected to promise a bigger response on growth, defence, Europe and energy, saying “incremental change won’t cut it”.
Starmer will attempt to halt the speculation with a speech on Monday, pledging to “put Britain at the heart of Europe”. He will say the government must face up to big challenges because “these are not ordinary times”.
