Leading contender emerges to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister

• Labour sources indicate that Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, is positioning himself to replace Sir Keir Starmer as party leader, following a challenging period for Starmer and ahead of potentially poor local election results in May.
• Miliband has become increasingly outspoken, notably publicly disowning Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador and suggesting he and David Lammy had raised concerns about it.
• Supporters believe Miliband has an advantage over other potential leadership candidates such as Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting, who face various obstacles to a successful bid.
• However, some Labour MPs are hesitant about Miliband due to his previous leadership and the 2015 election defeat, with others favouring Andy Burnham or defence minister Al Carns as alternative candidates.
• A leadership challenge is not anticipated before the local elections on 7 May, as Parliament will be prorogued until 13 May, which would be the earliest opportunity for a move against Starmer.

IN FULL

Ed Miliband emerging as top contender to replace Starmer