Embattled United Kingdom Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has warned Labour ministers and MPs that a leadership contest would plunge the party into “chaos” amid growing speculation that Health Secretary Wes Streeting is preparing a challenge.
Sir Keir urged MPs to unite behind a new package of reforms on health, housing and immigration, insisting Labour must end “the status quo that has failed working people”.
The prime minister is under mounting pressure after four ministers resigned and more than 80 Labour MPs called on him to step down following heavy local election losses across England, Scotland and Wales.
Supporters of Streeting told the BBC they expect him to launch a leadership bid as early as Thursday. Under Labour rules, he would need backing from 81 MPs to trigger a contest.
Streeting held a brief meeting with Starmer at No 10 on Wednesday before the government unveiled its legislative agenda in the King’s Speech.
During meetings with ministers and MPs later that day, Starmer warned colleagues, “We cannot let a leadership contest plunge us into chaos – a challenge would 100% do that.”
The King’s Speech included proposals to abolish NHS England, introduce digital ID, reform leasehold laws, nationalise British Steel, fast-track green energy projects and improve rail services in northern England.
Labour MP Jonathan Brash criticised the prime minister in the Commons, saying Starmer could not provide the “hope” voters were “desperate for”.
Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, also mocked Streeting’s reported ambitions, telling MPs, “We all know what he’s been up to.”
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham has emerged as another potential contender, though he is not currently an MP.
