Catherine West, a Labour MP, has announced she will attempt to trigger a leadership contest by Monday if the cabinet does not launch a challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The move comes amid mounting pressure on Starmer following heavy losses in local elections, with Labour losing control of 32 councils and over 1,000 seats.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been appointed as a special envoy on global finance, tasked with advising on how international cooperation can boost the UK's security and resilience. Brown was seen meeting Starmer at Downing Street, though details of their discussion remain undisclosed.
In a bid to shore up support, Starmer has appointed former deputy leader Harriet Harman as his adviser on women and girls. Harman, who will work unpaid and part-time, told Sky News that Starmer should continue as prime minister but warned that 'more of the same is not acceptable'.
Deputy leader Lucy Powell urged an end to 'incessant speculation' about Starmer's position, arguing that setting a leadership timetable would only distract from the government's agenda. She confirmed she would support Andy Burnham standing for parliament but ruled out a 'hostile takeover' of the party.
The local election results also saw significant gains for the Liberal Democrats and Greens, while the SNP secured a fifth consecutive victory in Scotland, with leader John Swinney receiving congratulations from Donald Trump. In Wales, Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party in the Senedd.
