Overview
- Downing Street launched a coordinated briefing operation to shore up Keir Starmer’s position ahead of the 26 November Budget.
- Starmer’s team says he would contest any challenge and argues removing him now would be dangerous for the party and the country.
- Reports claimed Wes Streeting had about 50 frontbenchers ready to resign if the Budget lands badly, a claim he categorically rejects.
- In broadcast interviews on Wednesday, Streeting likened the rumours to conspiracy theories and urged Starmer to sack the briefers he called self‑defeating.
- Supporters of Starmer have told investors that replacing Starmer and Rachel Reeves could push up gilt yields, according to people familiar with the briefings, as MPs also point to May’s local elections as a potential flashpoint.