UK Health Secretary's Allies Eye Challenge to Starmer as Soon as Tomorrow

Allies of the health secretary expect him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer as soon as tomorrow, even as the State Opening of Parliament unfolded with royals, regalia and rain.

The king arrived at Parliament and outlined the government's proposals for 37 bills and draft bills from the throne in the House of Lords. The event is meant to ground the day in the government's plans for the next year or so.

Asked how the speech reflected the bold change Sir Keir promised after last week's election drubbing, the prime minister's official spokesman said what you've heard from the prime minister over the last few days is his commitment to change.

After finishing in the House of Commons, Sir Keir worked to persuade MPs. He and supportive cabinet ministers visited the tearoom. He invited MPs into his office in Parliament.

His message was clear: he is up for the fight and will stand in any contest, but he believes the very idea of a leadership challenge is irresponsible. He has always seen himself as the antidote to the chaos he railed against during the latter years of the Conservatives in government.

He argues a leadership debate will paralyse the government and cause chaos within the Labour Party. The question is whether this argument can shrink potential support for Streeting or any other challengers.

The prime minister also knows that a significant number of his MPs now think he is a loser and a major factor in the scale of Labour's defeats in elections in England, Scotland and Wales last week.

For those potential challengers, the task is to set out a distinctive and attractive alternative Labour agenda that can appeal to MPs and party members and convince them they would be more popular than Sir Keir Starmer.

A big moment comes in the next 24 hours: for Wes Streeting, deciding to go for it or not, and the tone and tenor of any launch he is planning.