Efforts to unseat British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to escalate into open rebellion on Thursday, with potential rivals preparing to announce their bids for the leadership of the Labour Party and the government.
Allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting have indicated he will make an announcement later in the day after securing sufficient support from Labour lawmakers to challenge Starmer. Streeting is seen as a moderate within the party, similar to Starmer.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner told the Guardian newspaper that she had resolved tax issues with authorities, which had forced her to leave the Cabinet last September. Rayner stated that Starmer should "reflect on" his position and that she was ready to "play my part" in any leadership election if Streeting triggers a contest.
The pressure on Starmer has intensified following the Labour Party's heavy losses in local and regional elections last week, highlighting voter frustration with the slow pace of change under his government. Starmer has vowed to stay in office, warning that a leadership contest would plunge the government into chaos amid the cost of living crisis and Middle East conflict.
Under Labour rules, a challenger needs the backing of 81 of the party's 403 MPs. More than that number have publicly called for Starmer to resign. Other potential candidates include Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who would need to re-enter Parliament via a special election. Burnham canceled his regular BBC radio appearance to prioritize discussions about the election results.
