Starmer Challenges Streeting on Leadership at Cabinet Meeting

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer challenged his cabinet on leadership ambitions at the start of its standard weekly meeting, sources said.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has told the prime minister for months that he is ready for a leadership contest if one occurs. Streeting has insisted, however, that he would not initiate one.

The Conservative Party's leadership removal process relies on MPs' confidence in their leader. Labour's system requires 81 MPs to back a specific challenger against Sir Keir.

More than 81 Labour MPs want the prime minister removed. Sir Keir has exploited divisions among them. Some favor a slower contest to support Andy Burnham, who is not an MP. Others demand immediate action and back Streeting.

Streeting did not take the bait at the cabinet meeting. He joined the scheduled discussion on the Middle East conflict's impact on the British economy.

Multiple sources claimed a group of ministers tried to meet Sir Keir afterward to discuss his leadership, but he refused. A large group of ministers then left quickly and voiced strong support for the prime minister. They included Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Science Secretary Liz Kendall, who are seen as close to Streeting ideologically and personally.

Allies of Streeting said the Labour 'soft left' faction, which largely supports Burnham, started the leadership crisis with coordinated calls for the prime minister to set a departure timetable.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said nothing as he left the meeting. He is politically aligned with Miatta Fahnbulleh, who resigned as a minister this morning and urged the prime minister to consider his position. Fahnbulleh backs Burnham.

Burnham supporters have said for days he could return to Parliament via a by-election if an MP vacates a seat. Burnham was spotted in London today.

Labour rules state that if challenged, Sir Keir automatically appears on the member ballot without needing 81 nominations.

A senior government source said one scenario involves Sir Keir defeating Streeting in a contest, gaining support from MPs opposed to him but rejecting Streeting as replacement.