Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has described the ongoing speculation about Labour's leadership as "deeply mortifying" and "horribly embarrassing" for the government, as senior figures engage in public infighting just months after their election victory.
Leadership Speculation Dominates Westminster
The political turmoil erupted after allies of Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggested he was prepared to confront any leadership challenges, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting initially identified as a potential rival. This prompted Mr Streeting to publicly deny any intention to overthrow Sir Keir earlier in the week.
The situation escalated further when sources close to former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner were forced to deny reports she was involved in plotting against the Labour leader. A representative for Ms Rayner called the claims "total rubbish and obviously false", adding that she remains focused on representing her constituents.
Senior Ministers Condemn 'Tittle Tattle'
Speaking to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday 16th November 2025, Ms Mahmood expressed her frustration with the internal conflicts, urging ministers to concentrate on their responsibilities rather than engaging in what she termed "Westminster bubble tittle-tattle".
"We all have important difficult jobs to do, and it is incumbent on all of us as cabinet ministers to focus on the job," the Home Secretary stated. "All of this tittle tattle, these off the record briefings, people who haven't got the courage of their convictions to say publicly on the record what they're saying privately to journalists - all of that it doesn't stand the test of time."
Ms Mahmood's comments echoed similar language used by Ms Rayner, who had previously criticised the briefings against Mr Streeting as "arrogant tittle tattle".
Immigration Announcement Overshadowed
The damaging internal conflicts threaten to overshadow significant policy announcements, including new immigration measures that Ms Mahmood is scheduled to unveil in the House of Commons on Monday. The Home Secretary had been attempting to highlight the government's efforts against criminal smuggling gangs when the leadership speculation dominated media attention.
Shadow minister Chris Philp didn't hesitate to capitalise on Labour's difficulties, stating that the governing party was "fighting like rats in a sack" and suggesting that multiple senior figures including Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell might be involved in the internal manoeuvring.
Pollster Scarlett Maguire of Merlin Strategy noted that "bitter public infighting is never a good look", particularly when voters expect politicians to focus on delivering tangible changes. She revealed that recent YouGov polling indicates a majority of the public believe Keir Starmer should step down, including nearly 40% of Labour voters.
The prime minister has launched an investigation to identify the source of the leaks that sparked the leadership speculation, raising questions about the future of his longtime ally and chief of staff Morgan McSweeney. With ministers also grappling with concerns from their own MPs about the party's polling performance and the upcoming Budget, one Labour insider suggested Sir Keir might be "a man on borrowed time".
