Downing Street pledges effort to unify support for UK PM
Senior aides have warned that any attempt to unseat Starmer over falling poll numbers would be “reckless” and “dangerous,” with the potential to unsettle financial markets, strain international relations, and destabilize the Labour Party itself. They stressed that Starmer would “fight to retain the leadership” if a contest were triggered, either immediately after the budget or, more likely, after the May local elections.
Inside No 10, sources indicate the government is now in “full bunker mode” amid speculation that Health Secretary Wes Streeting could be preparing a challenge — claims he has firmly denied. Cabinet ministers reportedly view Streeting as one of several senior Labour figures “on maneuvers” for leadership should a vacancy arise, though none are expected to act against Starmer at present.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Streeting called the rumors “self-defeating nonsense,” insisting he was “not standing against the prime minister.” When asked whether he would ever consider such a move, he replied, “I cannot see circumstances under which I would do that to our prime minister.”
Streeting also criticized Downing Street’s internal culture, suggesting the prime minister should dismiss the aide responsible for briefing against him and noting that a “toxic culture” exists that “needed to change.”
While Labour is widely predicted to struggle in next May’s local elections, some party members believe leadership discussions cannot wait until then, fueling ongoing debate over the party’s future direction.
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