Angela Rayner has warned Keir Starmer that he must 'meet the moment' or face a leadership challenge, as around 40 Labour MPs call on the Prime Minister to step down. The former deputy prime minister set out her prescription for change, with supporters saying she is prepared for a possible leadership run.
Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, is also positioning himself for a contest, with allies saying he is 'preparing in case it all falls apart'. Streeting has told No 10 he does not want to be the first to move against Starmer, but some of his backers are pushing for a challenge after the Prime Minister's speech on Monday.
Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, remains a leading candidate to replace Starmer if he can return to Parliament. However, his supporters are trying to withdraw a 'stalking horse' challenge by backbencher Catherine West, fearing it would benefit Streeting or Rayner instead.
Starmer will attempt to save his job with a speech promising to 'face up to the big challenges' on growth, energy, defence and Europe. He will say that 'incremental change won’t cut it' and that his government will be defined by 'putting Britain at the heart of Europe'.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle acknowledged that the 'window of opportunity has narrowed' after disastrous local election results, where Labour lost support to Reform UK and the Greens. He said Starmer must show 'boldness' to win back lost areas.
