'They all think Keir is done' Would-be Labour leaders jostle for position

If there's one thing the Labour party can agree on this week, it is that efforts by Keir Starmer's allies to shore up his position have backfired spectacularly.

- Eleni Courea Pippa Crerar

Wes Streeting: 'given free rein'

By briefing journalists that he would face down any challenge and accusing Wes Streeting of leading an advanced plot to overthrow him, figures around the prime minister managed only to expose the weakness of his position.

The sharks were already circling - there is no shortage of senior Labour politicians convinced that they can do a better job of running the country. And the botched briefing operation on Tuesday night was proof to many MPs that Starmer is leading an ineffectual No 10 operation careering towards a crushing defeat in Scottish, Welsh and English council elections next May.

This impression solidified yesterday when Downing Street ripped up its carefully trailed plans to increase income tax in the budget - a move seen by others in government as the latest “panicked” attempt to protect Starmer’s position.

“MPs from a whole bunch of factions and camps, many once loyal, are all now talking with each other, they all think Keir is done, and are prepared to take risks together to get a more talented alternative,” one minister said. “Wherever it ends up, MPs’ resolve to get there in a coordinated way has only hardened.”

But those in the parliamentary Labour party (PLP) who agree that removing Starmer is necessary are divided on who should replace him. Backbenchers say that overtures from would-be candidates have stepped up in the run-up to the budget. “There have been a number of people jostling in the last six to eight weeks,” one said.

MPs believe this sense of haste has been increased by fears that the field may soon become more competitive.