Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet Health Secretary Wes Streeting, one of his key rivals for the Labour leadership, following a turbulent period in which four ministers resigned and at least 80 MPs called for him to step down.
Starmer clings to power
Sir Keir managed to hold onto his position in Number 10 and fend off an immediate leadership threat, with reports indicating that the frontrunners to succeed him lack the necessary support to launch a challenge. On Wednesday, he will meet Mr Streeting, widely regarded as a prominent challenger from the right wing of the party, ahead of the King's Speech.
According to The Guardian, the Health Secretary was backing away from launching an immediate leadership bid. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, a key figure from the soft-left faction, has not yet outlined a route back into Parliament, needing an MP willing to stand aside so he could contest a by-election.
Sources close to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, another potential soft-left challenger, have denied reports that he is preparing to run if Mr Streeting triggers a contest.
Starmer pushes forward
The Prime Minister has sought to maintain momentum, having already replaced four ministers—including prominent MP Jess Phillips and health minister Zubir Ahmed, an ally of Mr Streeting—who resigned from the Government and called for Sir Keir to stand down. During Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister vowed to continue, receiving public backing from several senior ministers, including his deputy David Lammy, who urged colleagues to “step back and take a breath.”
Sir Keir told his Cabinet that the country “expects us to get on with governing” and “that is what I am doing,” but avoided direct confrontation by declining to discuss his leadership during the gathering or meet critics individually afterward, the Press Association understands. He said he would only speak to ministers one-on-one about his fate, but did not do so once Cabinet concluded, according to sources.
King's Speech concerns
While Mr Streeting is not expected to make any remarks after Wednesday's meeting that could distract from the King's Speech, Politico reported that Buckingham Palace had privately informed Number 10 they do not want the King to be drawn into the political turmoil. The importance of protecting Charles from the impression that he is being used for political ends was stressed to Sir Keir's officials, a person familiar with the matter told the political news outlet. It is understood there has been no suggestion that the opening of Parliament would not proceed as planned.
