No 10 warns Starmer will fight any attempted coup

Downing Street is preparing to defend the prime minister from any attempt to remove him in a coup, with a number of ministers being proposed as a possible successor.

- DAVID MADDOX

Sir Keir Starmer has been subject to months of rumours that he could be replaced as Labour continue to tank in the polls under his leadership. Several reports on Tuesday evening suggested the prime minister's position could be challenged after the Budget later this month or next year's local elections in May.

Sources claimed health secretary Wes Streeting has made moves to replace Sir Keir and loyalists within No 10 are said to fear his job could be under threat.

Mr Streeting, who is due to appear on the morning media round for the government on Wednesday, has denied the claims, but other names are also said to be in the frame.

One senior figure told The Independent that the highly respected defence secretary John Healey is being put forward as “a continuity candidate” and “safe pair of hands”.