Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are two of the highest-profile potential candidates to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader. The prime minister is determined to fight on in No 10, but various contenders have been organising for some time.
Wes Streeting
The health secretary is widely considered the most ready for a leadership contest. He is seen as being on the right of the party, formerly close to Peter Mandelson, but has recently veered left on issues like Gaza and welfare. Some supporters claim he has 200 MPs lined up, though opponents dismiss this. He faces hurdles from a soft-left membership and a 'Stop Wes' faction.
Angela Rayner
The former deputy leader has not confirmed she would run, but allies say she is preparing. She stepped down over an HMRC inquiry into her tax affairs, which remains unresolved. Rayner's chances are boosted by Andy Burnham's exclusion from parliament, and she has a strong record in government, including the employment rights bill.
Andy Burnham
The mayor of Greater Manchester has been jostling for the leadership since autumn, criticising the government and seeking to return as an MP, but was blocked. He has built support on the soft left and among centrists. Burnham is popular with both party members and the public, seen as working class and authentic, but his exclusion from parliament could hinder his bid.
Ed Miliband
The energy security secretary is reported to have asked Starmer for a resignation timetable. Miliband has played the long game, avoiding scandals, and could be a candidate if Burnham is excluded. However, his previous electoral defeat to David Cameron in 2015 raises concerns about his viability against Nigel Farage.
Catherine West
The former Foreign Office minister has threatened to trigger a leadership contest if no cabinet minister challenges Starmer by Monday. She is an unlikely winner but could act as a stalking horse.
