Nightmare for Keir Starmer as Wes Streeting plot exposed in ‘message’ | UK | News
Labor is facing fresh internal tensions following reports that a possible leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer was exposed in what insiders described as an accidental text message leak.
According to the allegations made by TelegramHealth Secretary Wes Streeting has the support of more than 81 Labor MPs, the number needed to trigger a leadership contest under party rules. The message, allegedly mistakenly sent to a staff member at Downing Street, is said to outline key elements of a leadership plan, including a set of “five pillars” and a wider strategy for the government.
This statement comes at a sensitive time for the party, with local elections approaching and some expecting the Labor Party to suffer serious losses. Mr Streeting’s supporters are reportedly urging him to move quickly, possibly within days of the election results, to capitalize on dissatisfaction within party ranks. Options being discussed are said to include launching a formal leadership bid or resigning from the Cabinet in a bid to put wider pressure on the Prime Minister.
Potential rivals in any leadership contest are at different stages of preparation. While Angela Rayner is understood to be undecided about whether to run or not, Ed Miliband is reportedly in talks about a possible alliance between figures on the soft left of the party. Andy Burnham has also been mentioned as a possible candidate, but is not currently eligible to stand as he is not a Member of Parliament.
Despite the apparent level of support, questions remain about the timing of any move. Political precedent shows that those who start a leadership battle do not always win it, and some allies are said to be choosing to wait to see whether pressure on Mr Starmer will increase after the election.
There are reportedly differences within Downing Street over how to respond to the situation. While some advisers are said to support a Cabinet reshuffle as a way to stabilize the government, others warn such a move could deepen divisions at a time of uncertainty.
A spokesman for Mr Streeting said: “Wes has repeatedly said he supports the Prime Minister. He is fully focused on his job.”
Mr Starmer also sought to build confidence by stating that he planned to lead Labor at the next general election and highlighting the mandate he received in the last vote. He argued that his leadership was needed to move forward in a time of global and economic instability.
With the election results expected to act as a potential trigger for further developments, attention now focuses on whether the reported plans will become a formal issue or remain part of ongoing internal speculation within the party.
