Sir Keir Starmer has vowed not to resign, but a bruising set of local elections that have already seen Labour lose hundreds of councillor seats will only increase pressure on the embattled prime minister. He has faced relentless criticism since taking office in July 2024, compounded by U-turns and the Peter Mandelson security vetting scandal.
The elections were widely seen as a judgment day for Starmer, and early results show Labour losing control of eight councils. Speaking on Friday, Starmer said he took responsibility but insisted he would not walk away. "These are tough results, but tough days like this don’t weaken my resolve to deliver the change I promised at the general election; they strengthen it," he said.
Speculation about his position has been rife, with The Times reporting that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband urged Starmer to set a departure timetable. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy urged the party not to play "pass the parcel" with the leadership. However, the electoral drubbing presents an opportunity for other Labour figures, some of whom have been planning leadership challenges for months.
Andy Burnham
The Greater Manchester mayor is widely considered the most popular candidate, with YouGov polling showing 34% of Britons think he would do a better job than Starmer. Burnham has hinted at a leadership bid for months, revealing last September that dozens of MPs were privately urging him to challenge the prime minister. However, he is not currently a sitting MP, a prerequisite for the top job. Earlier this year, he was blocked by Labour’s NEC from running for the safe seat of Gorton and Denton, amid accusations of factionalism. Allies say he has a plan to return as an MP, with an "impressive" candidate lined up to replace him as mayor.
Angela Rayner
The former deputy prime minister, who resigned from Starmer’s cabinet in September after a stamp duty scandal, is popular on the soft left. She launched what was seen as her clearest challenge earlier this year, warning Labour is "running out of time" to deliver change. Rumours of a joint bid with Burnham surfaced after a recent meeting. However, only 15% of voters think she would outperform Starmer. She may be unable to move until her tax investigation is resolved, expected in the coming weeks.
Wes Streeting
The health secretary is seen as the most likely candidate from within Starmer’s cabinet, with the backing of at least 81 MPs needed to trigger a leadership election. A Downing Street staffer was accidentally texted details of his bid, including its "five pillars." Streeting has voiced concerns about the government’s direction and published communications with Lord Mandelson that criticised Starmer’s policies, breaking collective responsibility. His main obstacle is a perception of being too right-wing, and only 13% of voters think he would do a better job.
Ed Miliband
The energy secretary, who led Labour to defeat in 2015, has emerged as an unexpected contender. He has carved a niche as a top advocate for green energy and grown increasingly critical of the government over the Mandelson scandal. Supporters cite his energy and popularity among younger members, but Miliband denies eyeing a leadership bid, and only 13% of voters back him over Starmer.
