Overview
- Downing Street allies briefed that Keir Starmer would resist any ouster, warned a challenge would be reckless, and named potential successors including Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood.
- At Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer said attacks on cabinet members were "completely unacceptable" and insisted he never authorised negative briefings.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting categorically denied plotting, urged the prime minister to sack those responsible for the leaks, and reiterated his support for Starmer.
- UK government bond prices fell and the pound edged lower after the briefings, with strategists citing investor unease over political stability.
- Labour rules require roughly 20% of MPs, about 80 nominations, to trigger a leadership contest, limiting the chances of an immediate challenge before the budget.