Labour MPs Revolt Against Starmer Amid Resignations and Leadership Speculation

Resignations and a revolt by some Labour MPs this week have challenged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's grip on power. No clear resolution has emerged to the leadership crisis gripping the party.

Andy Burnham seeks to stand in a by-election triggered by the resignation of the Labour MP for Makerfield. The Greater Manchester mayor wants to replace Sir Keir.

Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary. He said he wanted a "broad" debate about the party's next leader.

Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has not ruled out running in any race. She said an investigation into her tax affairs had been resolved.

No leadership contest is under way.

Several scenarios could play out in coming weeks.

Starmer could decide to stand down. He has faced relentless pressure this week to quit. Many Labour MPs want him to set a timetable for departure. That could allow a more dignified exit on his terms.

Sir Keir has repeatedly told speeches and his cabinet he would not "walk away" from the top job. He plans to fight any challenge.

A leadership contest could happen without Burnham. A Labour MP needs backing from 20 percent of the parliamentary party, or 81 MPs, to trigger it.

Streeting was seen as a possible challenger until his resignation letter called for a "debate about what comes next." His allies said he had the numbers but chose to pressure the prime minister to quit voluntarily rather than rush into a contest.

Supporters of Sir Keir said Streeting had only 44 committed backers. Streeting appears to be biding his time. In a social media post, he backed Burnham for the Makerfield by-election, saying Burnham had "the best chance of winning."

Burnham could win the by-election and challenge Starmer for leadership. The seat will face strong competition from Reform UK. Burnham must become an MP to mount a challenge.

A victory would let Burnham claim he could revive Labour's poor poll standing and beat Reform UK in a general election. Sir Keir has a weak record against Reform UK, which hammered Labour in historical strongholds during last week's elections in England, Scotland and Wales.

Sir Keir also lost February's Gorton and Denton by-election and hundreds of council seats to Reform UK. In Parliament, Burnham could gather support to trigger a contest and use that evidence in a head-to-head fight.

A Burnham win could propel him toward No. 10.

Burnham's victory might prompt Starmer to step down. Polling of Labour members shows Sir Keir would lose a one-on-one against Burnham. He might leave office to avoid defeat.

That could lead to Burnham's coronation or a contest with Streeting, Rayner and others.

If Burnham loses the by-election, all bets are off.