Starmer’s double nightmare as Labour rivals ‘launch plot’ to finally oust him

Sir Keir Starmer is facing a double leadership challenge with Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham both believed to be positioning rival bids that could destabilise his premiership within days. Mr Streeting has moved to the centre of an internal Labour crisis after it emerged the Health Secretary has secured backing from more than 81 MPs – the minimum required to trigger a formal leadership contest.

According to senior party figures, the threshold means a challenge to Sir Keir is now mechanically possible, with Mr Streeting weighing whether to act immediately after the May 7 local elections or hold fire for a short window. The urgency among his supporters is driven by expectations of heavy Labour losses across thousands of council seats in England, alongside national elections in Scotland and Wales. Some allies want him to strike within days of the results, arguing that momentum inside the party will peak in the immediate aftermath of defeat.

Mr Streeting’s position was already under scrutiny after it emerged Sir Keir was inadvertently alerted to his intentions when details of his planning – including references to “five pillars” and a “plan for government” – were mistakenly sent to a Downing Street staff member. Since then, discussions among his supporters have reportedly included two options: launch a direct leadership bid or resign from Cabinet in a move designed to force others to follow, reported The Telegraph.

However, Mr Streeting is not the only pressure point. Andy Burnham is simultaneously advancing a separate route back to Westminster, with allies claiming he has a credible plan to return within weeks via a by-election strategy. The Greater Manchester Mayor has reportedly identified several constituencies where sitting MPs could stand aside to create an opening for his return.

Mr Burnham’s camp has also escalated preparations for his departure from city hall, with an “impressive” replacement lined up should he successfully re-enter Parliament. Among those discussed is Bev Craig, the leader of Manchester City Council, who is seen as a leading candidate for the mayoralty and has not ruled out standing.

Once back in Westminster, Mr Burnham is expected to set out an explicit governing programme built around what his allies describe as a “radical rewiring” of the state. That would include proposals for proportional representation, a 10-year national growth strategy, and wider reforms to local government funding. Earlier proposals linked to him have also included changes to inheritance tax to help fund social care.

His supporters argue he is best placed to rebuild Labour’s electoral coalition after a damaging set of results. One ally said Mr Burnham’s appeal rests on “popularity, personality and a plan”, adding that he would present a more decisive alternative to Starmer’s leadership in the wake of expected electoral losses.

The emerging Burnham–Streeting dynamic is now feeding wider speculation about a potential realignment at the top of the Labour Party.

Figures including Angela Rayner and Ed Miliband are frequently cited in Westminster discussions about a possible soft-left configuration, although no formal alliance has been established and competing ambitions remain unresolved.

Sir Keir’s authority is already under strain. Labour MPs are bracing for what some describe privately as catastrophic losses on May 7, with warnings that the party could lose more than 1,800 council seats and suffer unexpected defeats in urban areas traditionally considered safe. One senior Labour source warned of “carnage” in parts of the Midlands and North if polling expectations are met.

Pressure is therefore growing on whether Sir Keir could be forced into setting out a timetable for departure, potentially after September’s Labour conference. Some MPs are openly discussing a managed transition to avoid a prolonged internal war, while others believe events are already moving too quickly for controlled planning.

Under Labour rules, 20 % of MPs – currently 81 – must support a challenger for a leadership contest to proceed. Mr Streeting’s reported numbers mean that threshold has effectively been met, while Mr Burnham’s separate route depends on by-election openings and political manoeuvring rather than formal party mechanisms. Mr Burnham was previously blocked from standing in a parliamentary contest by the party’s ruling structures, the National Executive Committee.

Despite the growing tension, Sir Keir’s allies insist he remains focused on government. But internally, confidence is fragile. A recent Portland poll found just one in 10 voters believe he should remain Prime Minister if projected losses materialise, while Mr Burnham is viewed as more “decisive” and “in touch” with ordinary voters, even if Sir Keir retains a marginal advantage on perceived vision.

The result is a Labour leadership crisis unfolding on two fronts: one driven by a formal numbers game inside Parliament, and another built around an external attempt to re-enter Westminster with a competing mandate.

For Sir Keir, the threat is no longer hypothetical – it is already structured, partially mobilised, and waiting on the outcome of a single set of elections.