Keir Starmer is fighting for his political future as around 40 Labour MPs call on him to set a date to step down, following disastrous local election results that saw the party lose support to Reform UK and the Greens. The prime minister hopes to shore up his position with a major speech on Monday, but allies of potential rivals are already positioning for a contest.
Wes Streeting, the health secretary, is understood to be preparing for a leadership bid without wanting to be the first to make a move. An ally said: 'Wes isn’t going to challenge Keir but he is preparing in case it all falls apart.' Meanwhile, Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, has warned Starmer he needs to 'meet the moment,' and her supporters say she is ready to run if necessary.
The Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, is seen as a leading candidate to replace Starmer, but he would need to return to parliament first. His backers have been trying to persuade backbencher Catherine West to withdraw her 'stalking horse' challenge, which she launched to trigger an immediate contest if Starmer does not set a resignation timetable. One Burnham supporter described the situation as 'chaotic,' adding: 'This wasn’t meant to benefit Wes.'
Starmer will attempt to halt the speculation with his Monday speech, in which he will promise to define his government by 'putting Britain at the heart of Europe' and tackling challenges on growth, defence and energy. 'Incremental change won’t cut it,' he is expected to say. Business secretary Peter Kyle acknowledged the 'window of opportunity has narrowed,' but said boldness could win back lost voters.
The government has faced criticism for dwelling too much on challenges since taking office, and Kyle stressed the need for a more optimistic direction. The next 24 hours will be crucial for Starmer’s premiership as the party grapples with internal divisions and the threat of a formal leadership contest.
