Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, has emerged as a potential frontrunner in the race to succeed Keir Starmer as Labour leader, following a disastrous set of local election results that saw the party lose support to Reform UK and the Greens. About 40 Labour MPs have called on Starmer to set a date to step down, with many backing Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. However, Streeting's allies say he is preparing for a leadership contest, though he does not want to be the first to challenge the prime minister.
Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, has also positioned herself as a possible candidate, warning Starmer he needs to 'meet the moment'. Her supporters say she is prepared for a leadership run if necessary. Meanwhile, Burnham remains the leading candidate to replace Starmer, but he would need to return to parliament first, a move opposed by Business Secretary Peter Kyle, who said Burnham had promised to see out his term as mayor.
Labour backbencher Catherine West is pressing ahead with a 'stalking horse' challenge, seeking 80 supporters among Labour MPs to trigger an immediate contest. However, Burnham's backers have been trying to persuade her to withdraw, as a swift challenge would favour Streeting or Rayner. One MP described West's intervention as chaotic, comparing it to 'one of those free-running horses at the Grand National'.
Starmer will attempt to halt the speculation with a speech on Monday, 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'. Kyle acknowledged that the window of opportunity for Starmer has narrowed, but said he must show boldness in his speech to win back lost support.
