Sir Keir Starmer is facing the biggest threat to his premiership as Health Secretary Wes Streeting reportedly prepares to launch a leadership challenge. The Prime Minister has vowed to fight any attempt to oust him, but a full-scale civil war has erupted within the Labour Party.
An ally of Mr Streeting said he was “going to go for it” after a showdown meeting with Sir Keir at No10 ahead of the King’s Speech. To trigger a contest, Mr Streeting needs the backing of 81 Labour MPs, 20 per cent of the parliamentary party. If he succeeds, a left-wing candidate is expected to challenge him.
Potential contenders include Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, though he is not an MP; former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who is embroiled in a tax dispute; and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns is also seen as a possible candidate, despite limited experience.
More than 100 Labour MPs have publicly supported Sir Keir, but four ministers have resigned, including faith minister Miatta Fahnbulleh. Many MPs are urging the PM to set a departure timetable to avoid a damaging leadership contest. Loyal cabinet ministers have been lobbying colleagues not to “plunge the party into chaos.”
Unions affiliated to Labour, including Unite, Unison, and the GMB, have said they do not believe Sir Keir will lead the party into the next general election, stressing that a plan for a new leader will be needed.
