Overview
- At Prime Minister’s Questions, Keir Starmer said he never authorised attacks on his ministers and called any such briefings completely unacceptable, while praising Wes Streeting’s work.
- Wes Streeting categorically denied plotting to replace Starmer, labelled the leaks self‑defeating, and urged the prime minister to sack whoever briefed against him.
- No 10 allies warned that removing Starmer would be reckless and said he would fight any challenge, with reports claiming Streeting had 50 frontbenchers ready to resign, a claim he rejected.
- The Nov. 26 budget is widely viewed as the potential flashpoint, with expected tax rises worrying backbenchers, but Labour’s rules require 20% of MPs—about 80 nominations—for a contest.
- UK government bonds fell and the pound dipped slightly after the briefing flurry, moves some strategists linked to investor unease over leadership uncertainty.