Standoff Between Wes Streeting and Number 10
Wes Streeting is currently engaged in a standoff with Number 10 Downing Street as his allies assert that he has secured sufficient backing to initiate a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Despite this, Streeting remains hopeful that the prime minister will choose to resign voluntarily.
The health secretary was widely anticipated to announce a leadership challenge on Thursday. He has informed his supporters that he has obtained the support of 81 MPs, the threshold required to formally launch a contest. A source close to Streeting confirmed that he has the necessary numbers but noted that
"things are shifting".
However, allies of Streeting indicated that he still prefers to avoid directly confronting the prime minister and that an increasing number of MPs are privately urging Starmer either to resign or to provide a clear timetable for his departure.
Cabinet Ministers Deny Plans to Ask Starmer to Resign
Cabinet ministers spoke to to refute claims that they planned to request Starmer's resignation on Thursday afternoon. They accused Streeting’s supporters of attempting to
"brief resignations into existence", suggesting that such reports were unfounded.
Angela Rayner Cleared by HMRC
It has been confirmed that Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, has been cleared by HM Revenue and Customs regarding her tax affairs. This clearance enables Rayner to participate in any forthcoming leadership contest. She has indicated that she intends to enter the race if Streeting proceeds with a challenge against the prime minister.
Supporters of Starmer Respond to Challenge Efforts
MPs who support Keir Starmer reported that Streeting’s backers have been contacting MPs who previously supported other candidates. They have been encouraging these MPs to lend their support to initiate a leadership challenge, sometimes incorrectly implying that they could subsequently change their allegiance.
Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, reportedly spent six hours engaging with MPs who were contemplating backing Streeting. During these discussions, he persuaded several MPs to withdraw their support from Streeting’s list of backers.
