Allies of British PM Starmer launch effort to ward off possible leadership challenge

Allies of Mr Keir Starmer sought to ward off a feared leadership challenge from one of the British Premier’s best-known ministers, as Cabinet feuds spilled into the open just weeks before the government is due to unveil a contentious budget.

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Mr Starmer’s supporters privately accused Health Secretary Wes Streeting of plotting to replace the Prime Minister, according to people familiar with the matter, in an acknowledgment of his weakened position after months of Labour Party rebellions and stubbornly low poll numbers.

They argued that any attempt to oust Mr Starmer would risk a market shock and undermine the government's finances, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing internal disputes.

A spokesperson for Mr Streeting described the claims that the minister was after Mr Starmer’s job as “categorically untrue”.

Another official said that Downing Street had gone into bunker mode and initiated a circular firing squad.

While Mr Starmer has been struggling to quell dissent within the Labour Party since before the election 16 months ago, the Cabinet has largely maintained the appearance of unity.

A split with a leading minister from Mr Starmer’s own centrist wing of the party represents a potentially more serious threat than when Mr Andy Burnham - the more left-leaning mayor of Greater Manchester - called the Prime Minister’s leadership into question at the governing party’s annual conference.