Sir Keir Starmer faced the gravest threat yet to his leadership on Tuesday after Wes Streeting declared he was prepared to trigger a Labour leadership contest within days if the Prime Minister refused to set out a timetable for his departure.
In an extraordinary intervention, the former health secretary publicly challenged Sir Keir’s authority and insisted he already had the backing required to mount a bid for the Labour leadership.
The move plunges Labour deeper into civil war just 24 hours before the crucial Makerfield by-election, where Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is seeking a return to Westminster that could transform the battle for the party’s future.
Mr Streeting’s comments amount to the clearest indication yet that senior Labour figures are actively preparing for life after Sir Keir.
Speaking in a series of media appearances, he accused the Prime Minister of ignoring warnings from military chiefs, Nato allies, Cabinet ministers, Labour MPs and voters themselves.
“I don’t think he’s listening,” Mr Streeting said.
The former Cabinet minister argued Labour was suffering from a crisis of leadership, policy and culture, warning that uncertainty could not continue indefinitely.
While insisting Sir Keir should be given time to reflect after Thursday’s by-election result, Mr Streeting made clear he would be prepared to force the issue if the Prime Minister refused to move.
“We can’t carry on with this uncertainty and paralysis,” he said. “There will need to be a contest, and I’d be prepared to do that.”
His intervention dramatically raises the stakes surrounding the Makerfield vote.
A victory for Andy Burnham would hand Labour’s most prominent regional leader a platform from which to challenge for the leadership, potentially setting up a three-way struggle for control of the party.
Yet Mr Streeting signalled that even a Burnham defeat would not save Sir Keir.
Asked directly whether he would still seek a leadership contest if the Greater Manchester Mayor failed to win, he replied: “Yes.”
The remarks will deepen concerns among Labour MPs that the party is becoming consumed by internal divisions at a time when ministers are already facing growing criticism over defence spending, economic stagnation and falling poll ratings.
For Sir Keir, the challenge could hardly come at a worse moment.
The Prime Minister has repeatedly insisted he intends to remain in office and fulfil the mandate secured at the 2024 general election.
Speaking earlier on Tuesday, he struck a defiant tone, promising to prove his critics wrong and continue delivering the change voters demanded.
But with senior figures now openly discussing succession plans, pressure is building rapidly inside the Parliamentary Labour Party.
What once appeared to be quiet grumbling behind closed doors is increasingly becoming an open struggle for power.
Thursday’s by-election result may now determine not only Labour’s political fortunes, but whether Sir Keir Starmer can survive as Prime Minister.
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