Sir Keir Starmer is facing significant pressure to resign as Labour leader following the party's 'nightmarish' performance in recent local elections. Amid calls from dozens of Labour MPs for him to step down, Starmer has told his cabinet that he will not quit. However, speculation is rife about who could succeed him as prime minister.
Andy Burnham
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is widely seen as the most popular potential successor, enjoying high public approval. However, his current inability to serve as a sitting MP presents an obstacle to a leadership bid.
Angela Rayner
Angela Rayner is popular on the party's soft left and has been named as one of the MPs most likely to stage a coup. Rumours about her ambitions have been circling from the moment she resigned from Starmer's cabinet.
Wes Streeting
Health Secretary Wes Streeting reportedly has the backing of over 81 MPs and is considered the most likely candidate to replace Sir Keir from within the sitting cabinet.
Ed Miliband
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has emerged as an unexpected contender. He has carved a niche as the party's top advocate for green energy and net zero.
Catherine West
Catherine West is a lesser-known backbench MP who has become the first and only Labour member to threaten to launch a challenge against Sir Keir. She was sacked by Starmer as a junior minister in the Foreign Office.
Al Carns
Al Carns is a surprise candidate that newer MPs are pushing to throw his hat in the ring. The former Royal Marines commander is now defence minister in Sir Keir's government.
