Keir Starmer faces a fight for his political future as around 40 Labour MPs call for him to set a date to step down, with potential leadership rivals including Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner positioning themselves for a contest. The prime minister hopes to save his job with a speech on Monday promising to face up to big challenges on growth, energy, defence and Europe.
Leadership contenders are circling after poor local election results saw Labour lose support to Reform UK and the Greens. An ally of Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he is not challenging Starmer but is preparing in case the situation deteriorates, a message also delivered to No 10. Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, has set out her prescription for change and warned Starmer he needs to 'meet the moment'.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle acknowledged that the window of opportunity for Starmer to recover has narrowed, but said it is possible for him to win back lost areas if he shows boldness in his speech. Kyle also opposed allowing Andy Burnham to return to parliament, stating Burnham promised to serve his term as mayor. Burnham is seen as a leading candidate if he returns to the Commons.
Backbencher Catherine West is gathering names for a stalking horse challenge to force a leadership contest, but Burnham supporters have tried to persuade her to withdraw as it would not leave Burnham enough time to enter parliament. One MP described the situation as chaotic. Starmer will attempt to halt speculation with a speech defining his government by putting Britain at the heart of Europe and promising a bigger response than anticipated in 2024.
