Starmer insists govt ‘united’ as his ouster rumours swirl

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer insisted on Wednesday he runs a “united team” after a senior minister was forced to repeatedly deny that he planned to oust the embattled premier.

- Agencies

Prime Minister Keir Starmer (left) and health minister Wes Streeting react during a visit to University College London Hospital in central London on September 11, 2024.

(AFP)

Starmer’s comments came after Downing Street sources said Britain's leader would fight off any leadership challenge, as the anonymous briefing exposed tensions at the heart of the beleaguered government.

Rumours are swirling in the UK parliament that some ministers are plotting to challenge Starmer following a budget due later this month, in which Labour is expected to break manifesto promises.

“This is a united team,” he told parliament, adding that he was focused on “rebuilding the country”.

Earlier, health minister Wes Streeting told Sky News that he was “not going” to demand Starmer's resignation, adding: “I support the prime minister. I have done since he was elected leader of the Labour Party.”