Political Future of Prime Minister Keir Starmer
The prime minister's political future is uncertain, with his home secretary, several ministers, and over 80 MPs urging him to resign, either immediately or in the near future.
Despite this pressure, there is no clear consensus among Labour MPs regarding who should succeed Sir Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour Party and the country.
On Tuesday, the prime minister addressed the cabinet, stating he would "get on with governing" and that a leadership contest had not yet been initiated.
Although no candidate has publicly declared an intention to stand, several potential contenders have emerged.
Wes Streeting
Wes Streeting has served as health secretary since Labour assumed power in 2024 and held the shadow health secretary role for three years prior.
He was first elected to Parliament in 2015, having previously been president of the National Union of Students and a London councillor.
In his 2023 memoir, Streeting recounted his upbringing in a council flat in London's East End, visits to his grandfather, a bank robber, in prison, and his experiences growing up as a gay Christian.
Recognized as the cabinet's most effective communicator, Streeting highlights a reduction in NHS waiting lists as a key government achievement under his leadership.
He has openly expressed leadership ambitions and enjoys considerable support from Labour MPs, particularly those aligned with the centre and right of the party.
His cabinet allies include Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Science Secretary Liz Kendall.
Streeting's identification as the 'right-wing' candidate may limit his popularity among party members, who generally lean left compared to the parliamentary party.
He is scheduled to meet Sir Keir at Number 10 Downing Street ahead of the King's Speech on Wednesday morning.
Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham commands strong support from Labour MPs and is reportedly the most popular Labour politician among voters according to polls.
He has an extensive governance record, having served as Greater Manchester mayor for nearly a decade, earning the nickname "the King of the North."
Burnham has openly declared his ambition for the leadership role.
However, a significant obstacle is that he is not currently an MP, a situation his supporters hope to resolve swiftly.
Earlier this year, he applied to be Labour's candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election but was blocked by allies of Sir Keir on the party's ruling body.
If Burnham returns to Parliament, it will mark his second tenure as an MP.
From 2001 to 2017, he represented Leigh and held senior government positions in the health and culture departments.
At 52 years old, Burnham has twice sought the party leadership: in 2010, when he lost to Ed Miliband, and in 2015, when he finished second to Jeremy Corbyn.
His parliamentary support largely comes from the left wing of the party and MPs in the North West.
Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy are among his allies and would likely back him if he entered the leadership race.
Angela Rayner
Angela Rayner was deputy prime minister until last year and was considered one of the most influential women in British politics.
Her journey is notable, having grown up in poverty and leaving school at 16 without qualifications.
She began her career as a care worker and became involved in the trade union Unison, which served as a springboard into politics.
Rayner was elected in 2015 as MP for Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester and quickly rose through the ranks, serving in Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet.
In government, she held the housing secretary portfolio, tasked with accelerating housebuilding and reforming renters' rights.
In 2025, she resigned after admitting to insufficient tax payments related to the purchase of a new home.
Like the other main contenders, Rayner has strong support among Labour MPs, particularly on the left, with much of her base overlapping with Burnham's.
She is currently awaiting the outcome of an HMRC investigation into her home purchase, which could complicate any immediate leadership bid.
Other Potential Candidates
Given uncertainties surrounding the three principal contenders, there is a possibility that an unexpected candidate may emerge.
Some Labour MPs have suggested former leader and current Energy Secretary Ed Miliband could make a return.
However, Miliband dismissed this idea in November, telling the BBC:
"I've got the T-shirt - that chapter's closed."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also been mentioned as a potential contender, though her immigration policy changes have been controversial among Labour MPs, potentially limiting her support within the party membership.
Labour party rules do not prevent Sir Keir Starmer from standing in a leadership contest, and on Monday he told journalists he would do so if a contest arises.
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