LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces an imminent leadership challenge as political rivals prepare to make their moves following days of behind-the-scenes positioning.
Sources close to Health Secretary Wes Streeting indicate he plans to make a formal announcement Thursday after securing sufficient backing from Labour Party lawmakers to mount a challenge against Starmer for party leadership and control of the government.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced Thursday she has resolved tax-related issues with authorities, removing obstacles that led to her Cabinet departure last September. Speaking to the Guardian newspaper, Rayner suggested Starmer should “reflect on” his position and stated she stands ready to “play my part” in any leadership race should Streeting initiate a challenge.
Calls for Starmer to resign or face a leadership battle have grown louder following Labour’s devastating performance in recent local and regional elections, highlighting voter dissatisfaction with the government’s sluggish progress on key issues.
Despite the mounting pressure, Starmer has pledged to stay in his role, cautioning that a leadership fight would create “chaos” when the government should concentrate on pressing matters including the cost of living crisis and Middle East conflict.
According to Labour Party regulations, any leadership challenger must secure support from 81 of the party’s 403 House of Commons members. More than that threshold have publicly demanded Starmer’s resignation in recent days.
Both Streeting and Starmer represent the party’s moderate faction, while Rayner appeals to progressive voters who want higher minimum wages and increased taxes on wealthy individuals.
Additional candidates may emerge in any leadership race.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been frequently mentioned as a possible contender, though he would need to secure a parliamentary seat before running. His supporters suggest a current House of Commons member could step down, allowing Burnham to compete in a by-election.
Burnham scrapped his scheduled Thursday appearance on a local BBC radio show to “prioritize discussions arising from last week’s elections.”
