Overview
- Starmer’s senior aides warn that trying to oust the prime minister would be reckless and risk destabilising markets, foreign relations and the Labour party.
- Downing Street sources have singled out Health Secretary Wes Streeting as a potential challenger, but his spokesman calls the claims categorically untrue and says he is focused on NHS priorities.
- Reports suggest No 10 fears Streeting has tacit backing from around 50 frontbenchers who could resign if the 26 November Budget goes down badly, a scenario allies are seeking to deter.
- Insiders characterise the move as a deliberate ‘stop Wes’ strategy intended to flush out or discourage would‑be rivals, with names floated by MPs including Angela Rayner, Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband.
- Critics say No 10 has gone into full bunker mode by briefing against its own ministers, as MPs point to the Budget and next May’s local elections as the likeliest flashpoints for any leadership contest.