Starmer Warns Labour MPs Leadership Challenge Would Plunge Party into Chaos

Sir Keir Starmer warned his ministers and MPs that a leadership challenge could plunge the party into chaos, following his pitch for a radical plan to overhaul the country.

He rallied quarreling Labour MPs behind new laws he said would end the status quo that has failed working people. Starmer promised reforms in health, housing and immigration before meeting ministers and MPs at Parliament.

Starmer fights to keep his job after four ministers quit and dozens of Labour MPs called for his resignation. Health Secretary Wes Streeting is seen plotting a challenge.

Streeting supporters told the BBC they expect him to launch a Labour leadership bid as soon as Thursday. Party rules require support from 81 MPs to trigger a contest.

Streeting met the prime minister at 10 Downing Street for under 20 minutes Wednesday morning, after days of talk he is gearing up to replace Starmer.

Starmer's spokesman said the prime minister has full confidence in Streeting but declined details on their talk.

That evening, Starmer held meetings with Labour MPs and ministers at Parliament. He told them, "We cannot let a leadership contest plunge us into chaos - a challenge would 100% do that."

Sources said there were two meetings, one with ministers of state and one with junior ministers, each lasting about 15 minutes.

Ministers told Starmer the government must act like insurgents and govern differently. The prime minister agreed he needs to change.

The pair met just before the Labour government unveiled its legislative program in the King's Speech, opening a new parliamentary session.

King Charles III announced in the House of Lords plans to abolish NHS England, introduce digital ID, limit jury trials and end leaseholds in England and Wales.

Other measures include nationalizing British Steel, fast-tracking green energy projects, building closer EU trade ties and funding major rail upgrades in northern England.

In the House of Commons, Starmer called the King's Speech an agenda of radical reform across major public services.

He described leading an urgent, activist Labour government that tilts power back to workers, renters and the less fortunate, gives voice to the working class and those ignored by the status quo.

The words echoed his Monday reset speech, where he said incremental change won't cut it and pledged to face the country's big challenges.

Starmer failed to win over many MPs, who doubt his leadership matches the bold change voters expect from Labour.

Labour MP Jonathan Brash told the Commons Starmer could not offer the hope the public craves. "Some people will say this is about personality," Brash said. "It is not, it's about policy and whether we are prepared to meet the moment with the scale of change it demands."

Brash is among over 80 Labour MPs urging Starmer to resign now or set a departure timetable.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch hit back at the King's Speech Wednesday, drawing stony faces from Labour MPs with attacks on their record and Starmer's leadership.

Badenoch said Starmer is in office but not in power, and cannot deliver even the thin agenda in the speech.

She mocked Streeting, seated with cabinet ministers, saying he has been distracted lately. "There's no point in giving me dirty looks," Badenoch said. "We all know what he's been up to."

That evening, cabinet ministers worked the tearoom to argue a leadership election would paralyze government for months and cause chaos.

Streeting's next step draws attention, though other senior Labour figures eye the leadership too.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has strong MP backing and leads voter polls as Labour's most popular politician. But he lacks a Commons seat and would need a by-election win.

He sought Labour's nomination for the Gorton and Denton by-election this year but Starmer allies on the party executive blocked him.