Labour is facing an unprecedented internal crisis as plotting to replace Sir Keir Starmer intensifies following a disastrous week that has exposed deep divisions within the party and government. What began as murmurs of discontent has now escalated into open rebellion, with multiple potential leadership contenders positioning themselves for a challenge.
The Plot Thickens: From 'Drab Four' to Grand National Field
Just two weeks ago, Richard Littlejohn dubbed the four leading contenders to replace Starmer as the 'drab four', but the field has since expanded to what insiders describe as 'Grand National levels'. The original quartet - Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband - now face competition from nearly a dozen Labour figures considering leadership bids.
The situation reached boiling point after what one MP called Rachel Reeves' 'omnishambles' Budget preparations, which included a humiliating U-turn on plans to raise income tax rates. This misstep has accelerated behind-the-scenes manoeuvring and increased pressure on Starmer's leadership.
Street Fight: The Wes Streeting Surge
In a surprising twist, Wes Streeting has emerged as the frontrunner among the original contenders after a disastrous attempt by No 10 to brief against him backfired spectacularly. The Health Secretary had publicly opposed the proposed income tax increase and benefited politically from the subsequent backlash.
Streeting's allies are now pushing for an early leadership contest before his main rivals can properly mobilise. They hope he can make a move on No 10 while Angela Rayner recovers from her resignation as Deputy Prime Minister for underpaying stamp duty, and before Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham - the current favourite among both public and party members - can secure a Commons seat to launch his own bid.
Burnham remains the popular choice but faces the significant obstacle of being 'marooned in the North' without parliamentary representation. Streeting's camp would prefer a 'coronation' rather than a contested election, given that he trails both Burnham and Rayner in popularity among party members.
No 10 Turmoil and the Blairite Resurgence
The crisis has exposed bitter power struggles within Downing Street, with growing numbers of Labour MPs demanding the removal of No 10 chief of staff Morgan McSweeney. One MP stated bluntly: 'It has got to the point where either Morgan goes or the Prime Minister does.'
The situation deteriorated after McSweeney attempted to quell speculation about Starmer's future by briefing The Times that the Prime Minister would fight any challenge. While Streeting wasn't explicitly named, subsequent reports contained direct criticism of his ambitions from sources close to Starmer's inner circle.
The fallout revealed ever-shifting struggles within No 10, with Left-wing Labour MPs warning of a 'stealth takeover' by Tony Blair's former lieutenants. Key Blair-era figures including Jonathan Powell, Alan Milburn, Tim Allen and Tom Baldwin are now playing significant roles in government operations, leading to concerns about a 'zombie Government' dominated by figures from a previous political era.
Clive Lewis, a Left-wing Labour MP considered as a potential 'stalking horse' candidate against Starmer, criticised the development: 'At a time when government is struggling to deliver on its promises, bringing back the same small circle of advisers risks narrowing ideas when we need the opposite.'
Expanding Field of Contenders
Beyond the main players, other possible leadership contenders include Defence Secretary John Healey, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh - reportedly at the centre of plotting in an upmarket Italian restaurant - and Lucy Powell, Labour's deputy leader.
The total number of Labour Ministers and MPs considering leadership bids now approaches a dozen, reflecting the depth of discontent with Starmer's leadership. One Labour MP summarised the mood: 'There's mounting fury over Starmer's reaction to the briefing crisis. He is out of touch and in denial.'
As the plotting accelerates, Streeting has begun distancing himself from the Blairite wing by aligning more closely with the Palestinian cause, calling for Rayner's return to government, and praising Lucy Powell - a political ally of his main rival, Andy Burnham.
With the Prime Minister appearing increasingly isolated and the field of potential challengers expanding daily, Labour faces its most serious internal crisis since taking office, threatening both the stability of the government and the party's ability to implement its agenda.
