Starmer given a lifeline after Streeting challenge fails to materialise
Downing Street insiders suggest health secretary does not yet have the support for a leadership push
TL;DR
- Keir Starmer is reportedly confident of surviving a leadership challenge as Wes Streeting has not secured the necessary 81 MP nominations.
- Several allies of Wes Streeting resigned from government, but their move has not triggered a formal leadership contest.
- Labour-affiliated unions have stated that Starmer will not lead the party into the next election and that a plan for a new leader will be needed.
- Andy Burnham's potential leadership bid also faces uncertainty, with key supporters unable to confirm concrete backing.
- Ed Miliband had privately suggested Starmer consider a departure timeline and was prepared to run himself if Streeting had launched a bid.
- Starmer told his cabinet he would fight on, taking responsibility for election results but stating the threshold for a challenge had not been met.
- David Lammy and other senior ministers have publicly backed Starmer, urging colleagues to focus on governing.
- Four new ministers were appointed to replace those who resigned, and Starmer hopes the upcoming King's Speech will unite the party.