British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing challenges to his leadership after health minister Wes Streeting criticized the “toxic” culture within Starmer’s team and denied plans for a leadership bid. Streeting accused Starmer’s allies of attempting to undermine him with negative briefings and described these actions as “self-defeating. “
A leadership challenge in the Labour Party can begin if 20% of Labour MPs back a candidate. With 405 Labour MPs, 81 would need to support an alternative leader. Starmer would automatically appear on the ballot if a contest occurs. Labour members and affiliates, including trade unions, would have the chance to vote. The Labour National Executive Committee will decide on the timing of any contest.
Dissatisfaction with Starmer’s leadership is growing, with only a few MPs publicly calling for his removal, as he struggles with the economy and the rise of the Reform UK party. Starmer’s finance minister may break the party’s promise by raising taxes, which could lead to accusations of misleading voters.
If the party performs poorly in upcoming elections in Scotland, Wales, and English councils, a leadership challenge becomes more likely. It is generally more challenging for Labour MPs to remove a leader compared to the Conservative Party. Streeting is seen as a strong candidate, but he publicly supports Starmer. Other potential candidates include Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, Shabana Mahmood, Yvette Cooper, and Angela Rayner.
With information from Reuters