Labour leadership contenders jostle as Starmer allies fight on

Potential contenders for Labour leadership appeared on the starting line this morning in the race to succeed Prime Minister Keir Starmer as the party's next leader.

The maneuvering showed up across the board. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, a key Starmer backer, told BBC Breakfast that a contest would mean "plunging the country into chaos at a time when there is conflict in the world, but also at a time when our plan to grow the economy is starting to bear fruit."

Allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting anticipate his challenge to Starmer will come soon. Rivals, though, say he has struggled to line up enough backers.

One figure said she has sorted out the tax issue that cost her government job and stands ready to "play my part" in the expected debates over Labour's leadership.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham remains stuck outside Parliament. He would need to secure a seat, win party approval to run, and count on a contest timeline that lets him join in.

His regular phone-in with Mike Sweeney on BBC Radio Manchester did not air this morning, an unusual break. A spokesman said Burnham "has to prioritise discussions arising from last week's local elections" – a pointed reference to Labour's and the government's current bind.

Defence Minister Al Carns, who recently summited Everest, laid out his views at length in the left-wing New Statesman. Long viewed as harboring leadership ambitions, the relatively obscure Carns drew notice.

Starmer and his allies keep battling. For now, they offer no hint of quitting.