Overview
- A small group of Scottish Labour MPs briefed the Times and the Daily Telegraph that Keir Starmer should step down before May, touting Health Secretary Wes Streeting as a replacement.
- Anas Sarwar called the briefings idiotic and told MPs to focus on campaigning in Scotland, while saying ministers should stay at their desks rather than join the trail.
- Allies of the Prime Minister, quoted by The Times and reported by GB News, labelled the rebels idiots and hypocrites and cautioned that any move against Starmer would be ill‑advised.
- Wes Streeting denied leadership ambitions, stating he is focused on his Health brief, as Sarwar maintained he still believes he can become First Minister.
- Party sources described the briefers as from the Right of the Scottish group, with some accused of seeking ministerial advancement, while polls place Labour roughly 20 points behind the SNP and raise concerns Reform UK could damage Labour’s prospects.