Keir Starmer has long faced leadership rivals, despite winning a large majority just two years ago. The prime minister insists there is no vacancy and plans to fight on in No 10, aiming for a second term and a decade in office. However, potential contenders have been quietly organising for some time.
If the contest opens up, several figures may enter the race, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns. These individuals represent a range of party factions and policy priorities.
Among the main threats to Starmer's leadership are those who have been most active in positioning themselves. The question remains whether any alternative would be better equipped to lead the party and the country, given Starmer's current mandate and the challenges ahead.
