Angela Rayner has said Sir Keir Starmer should “reflect” on whether to resign after a bruising week for his premiership.
It comes after the former deputy prime minister announced she has been cleared of deliberate wrongdoing in an investigation over her tax affairs.
The decision could pave the way for Ms Rayner to make a potential leadership bid. In an interview with The Guardian she did not rule out running in any Labour leadership race but said she would not “trigger” a contest.
The MP for Ashton-under-Lyne said the investigation into her underpayment of stamp duty, which led to her departure from government, had “clipped her wings”.
It comes amid reports Wes Streeting is ready to stage a leadership challenge, despite the prime minister stating he retained “full confidence” in the health secretary on Wednesday.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham also pulled out of his weekly radio slot to “prioritise discussions arising from last week’s local elections,” his spokesperson said.
After the King’s Speech, the prime minister and loyal cabinet ministers spent the evening meeting with Labour MPs in the hope of securing support, warning colleagues “not to plunge the party into chaos”.
Read MoreAngela Rayner cleared by HMRC over tax affairs as leadership bid heats up
How Starmer can reassert his authority by sacking Wes Streeting
Key Points
- Breaking: Angela Rayner says she has been cleared by HMRC
- Angela Rayner's statement in full
- Streeting 'preparing to resign and trigger leadership contest tomorrow'
- Analysis: Could Starmer end up sacking Wes Streeting?
- Analysis: Streeting sets out his stall ahead of possible leadership challenge
Scottish secretary backs Starmer despite 'difficult' election results
09:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneScottish secretary Douglas Alexander said there had been “twists and turns” in the Labour Party’s leadership “drama”, but stressed there was no bid as yet to oust the prime minister.
Mr Alexander said: “For all the headlines, there is a process by which a challenge to the Labour Party leadership can be conducted, and that process hasn’t been triggered.”
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s Breakfast programme, the Scottish MP accepted “these are difficult days” for the party across the UK after last week’s poor election performance.
But he said the prime minister had been “clear” that he accepted responsibility for the “very bad set of results”.
Mr Alexander said: “The prime minister has my support, I am a member of the Cabinet.
“I think for all of the speculation, for all of the headlines, it’s worth holding on to the fact we’ve seen twists and turns in this drama even in recent days.
“There’s a process by which a challenge to the Labour Party leadership can be conducted, and that process simply hasn’t been triggered this morning.”
Watch: NEC member doesn't 'see how it's physically possible' for Burnham to enter leadership race
09:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMinister warns MPs against 'chaotic process of uncertainty'
08:50 , Nicole Wootton-CaneChief secretary to the treasury James Murray said he hoped Wes Streeting would still be health secretary by the end of Thursday and warned against a “chaotic process of uncertainty”.
Asked whether Mr Streeting was still in post, amid speculation that he will quit, Mr Murray told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “He is the Health Secretary, and I hope he is the Health Secretary by the end of the day.”
Mr Murray also warned against a leadership contest, saying: “I would say to all colleagues, take a deep breath. Take a step back.
“Make sure that we recognise we’re less than two years into this Parliament. Look at what we’ve done so far. Look at the benefits of the stability that we brought to government, make sure that we don’t go into a chaotic process of uncertainty, and make sure we focus on what people want us to be doing.”
Burnham cannot hope for Greens to give him a free run at parliament
08:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Andy Burnham is said to be looking for a seat to run in to allow him back into parliament to stand to be leader of the Labour Party.
There had been some hope that previous positive comments about him by Green leader Zack Polanski would mean the Greens would not oppose Mr Burnham in a by-election and give him a clear run.
But The Independent has been told that the Greens would not stand aside having seen victory in the recent Gorton and Denton by-election in Manchester.
A senior Green source said: “Gorton and Denton demonstrated that actually it's the Greens now who can stop Reform. [With regards to Mr Burnham] it will depend on the seat and crossing that bridge when we come to it.”
However, the seat suggested overnight, Manchester Rusholme, is currently projected to go to the Greens from Labour in an election. Labour MP for the seat Afzal Khan has also denied he plans to stand down for Mr Burnham.
HMRC issues statement on Rayner verdict
08:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTax officials have issued a brief comment after Angela Rayner said she has been cleared after an investigation into her affairs.
When asked about Ms Rayner’s case, HMRC said: “We cannot comment on individuals due to taxpayer confidentiality law.”
Timing of Rayner’s announcement nothing to do with Streeting move
08:28 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
There has been some suggestion Angela Rayner sat on the news she has been cleared by HMRC to undermine a leadership challenge by Wes Streeting.
An ally said that the issue was “only just resolved” and that the investigation into her tax affairs has been “so long and gruelling”.
The news though does potentially free up the former deputy prime minister to enter the leadership campaign if there is one without a cloud over head.
Allies of Mr Streeting suggested the health secretary would resign from the government today and launch a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer.
An ally of Ms Rayner suggested Mr Streeting “will be choking on his cornflakes” this morning, adding: “Sometimes the Lord moves in mysterious ways.”
Rayner says Streeting will have to 'justify' actions if he launches leadership bid
08:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAngela Rayner has said Wes Streeting will need to “justify his actions” if he chooses to launch a leadership bid against Sir Keir Starmer.
“I do understand my colleagues and why they’re angry and upset,” she said in an interview with The Guardian. “I do understand why we’re having this conversation now, but we need to get through that as quickly as possible.”
Manchester MP denies plans to give up seat for Burnham
08:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Manchester MP at the centre of rumours over giving way for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster has denied any plans to stand down.
Afzal Khan, the MP for Manchester Rusholme, told Sky News the speculation around his seat was a "fake rumour".
"I am not giving [up] my seat" he said.
Reeves says she will introduce policies to help economy over Iran war
08:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe chancellor told reporters she would set out plans to support families and businesses struggling with the impact of war in the Middle East next week.
She said: “Very strong numbers today that show that the economy grew strongly in the first quarter of this year, showing decisively that this plan is the right one to get our economy growing in all parts of the country.
“And it shows that when this conflict in the Middle East started, our economy was growing strongly.
“This was not a war that we started. It is not a war that we have joined, and it’s not one that this government agrees with.
“But today’s number shows that when that conflict began, our economy was growing strongly.
“And because of today’s numbers and the growth that we’ve seen in the economy, next week I will be able to set out more plans to support families and businesses with the challenges that have come from this conflict in the Middle East.
“I look forward to setting those out next week.”
Watch: Reeves says country shouldn't be 'plunged into chaos' amid Labour leadership speculation
08:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAngela Rayner's statement in full
08:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAngela Rayner has issued a statement after she said she has been cleared of deliberate wrongdoing over her tax affairs.
You can read her full statement below:
“I welcome HMRC’s conclusion, which has cleared me of any wrongdoing.
“I have been exonerated by HMRC of the accusation that I deliberately sought to avoid tax.
“When purchasing a home of my own with a mortgage, I did not own any other property and had no personal financial interest in the court-instructed trust set up to manage my son’s financial award. I was advised by experts that I should pay stamp duty at the standard rate.
“I set out to pay the correct amount of tax. I took reasonable care and acted in good faith, based on the expert advice I received, and HMRC has accepted this.
“I have always sought to act with integrity, and I believe politicians should be held to high standards - that is why I resigned from government and cooperated fully with HMRC.
“I wanted to ensure that I paid every penny that I owed, and have done so. I am relieved that my family can now move on - and that I can get on with my job.”
A leadership contest would be the 'wrong choice for the party', minister insists
07:55 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
A Labour leadership contest would be the "wrong choice for the party", a Treasury minister has insisted.
Asked about Angela Rayner - who was last night cleared of wrongdoing over her tax affairs by HMRC - James Murray said: "I think what Angela Rayner also said in the interview this morning is that she wasn't going to trigger a leadership contest. And I think a leadership contest would be the wrong choice for us as a party, because it would mean we'd be looking inward."
He added: "You know, it would cause that huge instability which is so detrimental to what we're trying to do as a government, and distract us from focusing on what people want us to focus on".
UK economy grows in first quarter of year
07:47 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s business and money editor Karl Matchett reports:
A backward-looking sigh of 'what might have been' today for the UK economy, as the latest figures show GDP growth of 0.6 per cent for the first three months of the year, including monthly economic growth of 0.3 per cent in March itself.
That was of course the very start of the Iran war and the expectation will be of a tail-off very soon afterwards, and there will be some frustration that matters outside of domestic hands have put the brakes on.
These numbers are above the expectations of the time, and will have industry figures pointing to how much better a surprisingly resilient economy would do if it was properly supported by a solid government, in terms of business rates, cost of hiring and fiscal policy.
But, as noted, they are backwards-looking numbers, and the picture has changed dramatically since the end of the first quarter.
Most economists will now expect these three months to be the high point of the year, with inflationary pressures incoming and instability among the leadership.
Reeves says Labour MPs have 'important decision to make'
07:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneChancellor Rachel Reeves said Labour MPs had an “important decision to make” as she spoke to reporters in Downing Street.
Asked if she was worried about the impact of a potential leadership race on the economic policies she has been working on these past few years, she said: “Labour MPs have got an important decision to make today, but the numbers show that the economy is growing and that when we entered this conflict, our economy was growing strongly because of the decisions that I have made as chancellor, we shouldn’t put that at risk.”
Starmer could win a future Labour leadership contest, minister claims
07:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Keir Starmer could win a future Labour leadership contest, a Treasury minister has insisted.
Asked whether he believed the prime minister would survive and fight a leadership election, James Murray told Times Radio: “Yes.”
Asked whether Sir Keir would stand in any contest, he replied: “He’s said that, he said that on Monday in response to a question after his speech on Monday that he would if there were one.
“But I repeat my earlier point, I think having a leadership election would be the wrong choice for us to take.”
Rayner 'relieved' to be cleared over tax affairs
07:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAngela Rayner said she was “relieved” she could “get on with my job” after HMRC cleared her of deliberate wrongdoing in an investigation over her tax affairs.
In a statement, the former deputy leader said:” I welcome HMRC’s conclusion, which has cleared me of any wrongdoing.
“I have been exonerated by HMRC of the accusation that I deliberately sought to avoid tax.
“When purchasing a home of my own with a mortgage, I did not own any other property and had no personal financial interest in the court-instructed trust set up to manage my son’s financial award. I was advised by experts that I should pay stamp duty at the standard rate.
“I set out to pay the correct amount of tax. I took reasonable care and acted in good faith, based on the expert advice I received, and HMRC has accepted this.
“I have always sought to act with integrity, and I believe politicians should be held to high standards – that is why I resigned from government and co-operated fully with HMRC.
“I wanted to ensure that I paid every penny that I owed, and have done so. I am relieved that my family can now move on – and that I can get on with my job.”
Rayner being cleared by HMRC paves the way for her to run for Labour leadership
07:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Angela Rayner has been cleared by HMRC of wrongdoing over her tax affairs, saying she had been "exonerated" of the accusation she had "deliberately sought to avoid tax" in a statement on Thursday.
The issue of Rayner's tax affairs - which precipitated her departure from government - has been hanging over her head for months since she resigned - and was seen as a major obstacle to her standing in any potential leadership contest. But now that HMRC appears to have cleared the former deputy prime minister, she is now free to throw her hat into the ring and represent a soft left option for the party.
In an interview with the Guardian, she didn't rule out standing in a leadership race, but she did rule out triggering a contest. Meaning, most likely, she would be waiting for one to be triggered by Wes Streeting in the coming days. She also said that Andy Burnham shouldn't be blocked from coming back.
However - what is not yet clear is whether Rayner would stand against Andy Burnham if he returned to Parliament, or whether she would hope for a senior position in a possible Cabinet formed by the challenger.
Burnham pulls out of weekly radio slot
07:19 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAndy Burnham has pulled out of his weekly slot on BBC Radio Manchester to prioritise discussions over last week’s elections, it has been reported.
The Greater Manchester mayor is tipped by many to be a popular potential successor to Sir Keir Starmer, but is hampered by the fact he is not currently an MP.
His spokesperson said Mr Burnham “has to prioritise discussions arising from last week’s local elections”.
Rayner settled £40K in unpaid stamp duty - but faces no penalty
07:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAngela Rayner has said she has been cleared of any deliberate wrongdoing in an investigation into her tax affairs.
The former deputy prime minister resigned last year after it emerged she had not paid enough stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside flat in Hove, East Sussex.
She blamed the underpayment on incorrect legal advice and always insisted it was not a “tax dodge”.
Ms Rayner says she has now settled that missing £40,000 with HMRC, but has been cleared of deliberately breaking the rules and will not face any further penalty.
Watch: Former health minister urges Cabinet to go public with concerns about Starmer
07:00 , Rebecca WhittakerBreaking: Angela Rayner says she has been cleared by HMRC
06:29 , Adam WithnallAngela Rayner has said in interviews with the Guardian and ITV that she has been cleared of any tax misconduct by HMRC, paving the way for a potential leadership bid if Sir Keir Starmer were to resign.
The former deputy prime minister told ITV she will not make a pact with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to challenge Sir Keir.
“I’m not doing deals or anything like that,” she said.
Starmer to navigate closer relations with EU 'carefully'
06:00 , Rebecca WhittakerSir Keir Starmer said he will navigate closer relations with the European Union “carefully”.
Responding to an intervention from TUV MP Jim Allister (North Antrim), the prime minister said: “I’m very well aware of the tensions in Northern Ireland, the issues that have to be dealt with in relation to relations with the EU.
“We have to face the fact that promises were made about Brexit, which were not true, which haven’t borne fruit.
“It is in our economic interests, our national interest, and defence interests, to be closer to Europe. Of course, we will navigate carefully, taking on board the issues in Northern Ireland, as he would expect, but it is in our interest to be closer to the EU.”
Sir Keir was also pressed by Conservative MP Lincoln Jopp (Spelthorne) on when the defence investment plan will be published, to which he said it “is being finalised and will be published soon”.
Analysis: How Starmer can reassert his authority by sacking Wes Streeting
05:00 , Rebecca WhittakerIt is clear now that Wes Streeting is planning to resign to trigger a leadership election against Sir Keir Starmer.
Allies of Mr Streeting have confirmed with The Independent that this is the health secretary’s intention – although he is yet to make the plunge.
We still do not know the details of the 16-minute showdown that Mr Streeting had with the prime minister on Wednesday morning in Number 10. But it is clear from those close to Mr Streeting what path he now plans to take.
Read more here by political editor David Maddox:
How Starmer can reassert his authority by sacking Wes Streeting
Wes Streeting would lose leadership contest to a left-wing candidate, MPs say
04:00 , Rebecca WhittakerModerate Labour MPs are warning Wes Streeting not to start a leadership contest because he will lose to a left-wing candidate.
Speaking to The Times, Luke Akehurst, MP for North Durham said: “Wes is a huge talent” but “I would urge him not to throw the party into further chaos by resigning”.
“The risk of initiating this process is the outcome isn’t Wes Streeting becoming PM,” he said.
Phil Brickell, MP for Bolton West, added: “Wes can’t win the membership”
Watch: Starmer’s biographer reveals How PM is reacting to leadership threat
03:00 , Rebecca WhittakerTwo MPs deny preparing to stand down for Andy Burnham
02:00 , Rebecca WhittakerTwo MPs have ended the speculation around whether they will be standing down to allow Andy Burnham to attempt to return to Parliament.
MP Jeff Smith was asked if he was about to make way for the Greater Manchester Mayor, but the anchester Withington MP said he was not.
It comes after MP Afzal Khan also denied speculation he was preparing to quit Parliament to create a vacancy for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster.
Asked whether he was planning to stand down for Mr Burnham, the Manchester Rusholme MP he said: “I am not.”
The Mirror reported he said: “At the last General Election, the people of Manchester Rusholme put their trust in me to represent them to Parliament, and that is the job I am focused on doing.”
Mr Burnham is being touted as a leading contender to replace Sir Keir Starmer if he resigns as Prime Minister.
He has previously indicated he would be willing to overthrow the current Labour leader.
But as the current mayor of Manchester without a seat in Parliament, Mr Burnham faces a potentially arduous route to the top.
Reform MP says Starmer is the 'most unpopular' prime minister ever
01:00 , Rebecca WhittakerKeir Starmer has been called the “most unpopular” prime minister ever in Britain, by deputy leader of Reform UK Richard Tice.
The MP for Boston and Skegness said in the commons that he doesn’t think the current programme of government will reduce the cost of living or boost jobs.
Recap: MP becomes first to call for Starmer to step down in Commons
Thursday 14 May 2026 00:00 , Rebecca WhittakerJonathan Brash has become the first Labour MP to call for Sir Keir Starmer to step down as Prime Minister on the floor of the House of Commons.
The Hartlepool MP said: “The message last week was unmistakable. People want a government that acts with urgency, courage and purpose against the crushing pressures of everyday life.
“And if they do not get it, they will once again roll the dice, and even if it is on a charlatan, because desperation drives risk, and people are desperate for hope.
“And for however difficult it may be for many on these benches to admit, it is now clear to me that this Prime Minister can no longer provide that hope.
“I do not say it with pleasure, but leadership is not only about knowing when to fight on, it is also about knowing when your authority has ebbed, when trust has frayed, and when it is time to leave the stage.”
Mr Brash was the first MP to call for Sir Keir resign, after his wife lost her seat in the local elections.
He also used his speech to call for “bolder” policies, including abolishing council tax and replacing it with a more progressive system, nationalising water companies and Royal Mail, “standing up for” the Waspi women, and, if necessary, “declaring a state of emergency on our borders and turning boats back”.
King’s Speech 2026: Key points from Charles’s address amid Starmer leadership crisis
Wednesday 13 May 2026 23:00 , Rebecca WhittakerKing Charles III today delivered his third King’s Speech as monarch, marking the 2026 state opening of parliament.
The speech marks the beginning of a new parliamentary session, and is both historically symbolic and an important moment where the government’s legislative plans for the year ahead are set out.
Here, The Independent gives an overview of some of the key policies announced. Read more here:
King’s Speech 2026: Key points from Charles’ address amid Starmer leadership crisis
Manchester MP denies rumour he will give up seat for Burnham
Wednesday 13 May 2026 22:53 , Holly EvansAfzal Khan, the MP for Manchester Rusholme, has told Sky News he has not got plans to give up his seat for Andy Burnham.
Mr Khan yesterday told Sky News the speculation around his seat was a "fake rumour".
Reports have continued to emerge this evening that he would be willing to stand down if Wes Streeting mounted a leadership challenge.
He repeated this evening: "I am not giving [up] my seat.”
Watch: King Charles warns of 'dangerous and volatile world'
Wednesday 13 May 2026 22:45 , Rebecca WhittakerJeremy Corbyn 'fails to see' Wes Streeting as a good alternative for the Labour party
Wednesday 13 May 2026 22:15 , Rebecca WhittakerYour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said it is “very hard to see” how Sir Keir Starmer can stay in post but he does not think Health Secretary Wes Streeting is an alternative.
The former Labour Party leader found the King’s Speech promised “very little” and “even where there’s something moderately optimistic, like better control of the water industry, it falls short of taking it into public ownership”.
The MP for Islington North said: “When (the King’s Speech) talks about improving the lot of young children, particularly special needs children in schools, it doesn’t say anything about how they’re going to fund it or pay for it… on the global stage it’s a continuation of arms spending, continuation of enabling American planes to fly out of Britain to bomb Iran and no reference or apology for their participation in the Gaza genocide.”
He added: “If Wes Streeting is to be the alternative, I fail to see what he’s an alternative to.
“Wes Streeting is, after all, presiding over Palantir being brought into our National Health Service and has continued with the Health and Social Care Act that the coalition government brought in, which brings in the private sector into our NHS.”
Starmer vows ‘to fight to win’ against Streeting for Labour leadership with health secretary poised to quit government
Wednesday 13 May 2026 21:45 , Rebecca WhittakerAnother day of fevered speculation in parliament saw allies of Wes Streeting claim he is set to resign from the as health secretary and trigger a leadership election with rivals including energy secretary Ed Miliband also expected to enter the contest, writes political editor David Maddox.
Read more here:
Starmer vows ‘to fight to win’ against Streeting for Labour leadership
Another MP ends speculation and denies preparing to stand down for Andy Burnham
Wednesday 13 May 2026 21:24 , Rebecca WhittakerAnother Manchester Labour MP has denied preparing to stand down to allow Andy Burnham to attempt to return to Parliament.
Asked whether he was about to make way for the Greater Manchester Mayor, Manchester Withington MP Jeff Smith said he was not.
It comes after MP Afzal Khan denied speculation he was preparing to quit Parliament to create a vacancy for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster.
Asked whether he was planning to stand down for Mr Burnham, the Manchester Rusholme MP he said: “I am not.”
Green MP criticised the King’s speech
Wednesday 13 May 2026 21:15 , Rebecca WhittakerGreen Party MP Hannah Spencer, representing Gorton and Denton, has criticised the King’s speech.
She said there was “not enough” in the speech to improve the lives of underrepresented communities in Parliament and said the government should “go bigger” on renewable energy.
Labour MP Afzal Khan confirms he is 'not' stepping down for Andy Burnham
Wednesday 13 May 2026 21:11 , Rebecca WhittakerLabour MP Afzal Khan has denied speculation he was preparing to quit Parliament to create a vacancy for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster.
Asked whether he was planning to stand down for Mr Burnham, the Manchester Rusholme MP he said: “I am not.”
Earlier today The Mirror reported he said: “At the last General Election, the people of Manchester Rusholme put their trust in me to represent them to Parliament, and that is the job I am focused on doing.”
Mr Burnham was being touted as a leading contender to replace Sir Keir Starmer if he resigns as Prime Minister.
He has previously indicated he would be willing to overthrow the current Labour leader.
But as the current mayor of Manchester without a seat in Parliament, Mr Burnham faces a potentially arduous route to the top.
Starmer biographer warns Labour risks ‘real chance’ of changing leaders again before election if it ousts him now
Wednesday 13 May 2026 20:45 , Rebecca WhittakerSir Keir Starmer’s biographer has warned there is a “real chance” Labour will have to change leaders again before the next general election if it ousts him from No 10 now.
Tom Baldwin said he was “astonished” the party was “behaving like this” after Labour civil war erupted amid a chorus of calls for the prime minister to resign following the party’s disastrous local election results last week.
As allies of health secretary Wes Streeting say they expect him to resign on Thursday to trigger a leadership challenge, Mr Baldwin called on Labour not to repeat the Conservatives’ “bad habit” of changing prime ministers.
Read more here:
Starmer biographer warns Labour risks two leadership elections
Watch: Politics isn’t about the public anymore - it’s about the Westminster village, says former Labour insider
Wednesday 13 May 2026 20:30 , Rebecca WhittakerRecap: PM jokes about Labour turmoil in Commons
Wednesday 13 May 2026 20:00 , Rebecca WhittakerSir Keir Starmer appeared to take a light-hearted approach to the ongoing turmoil surrounding his premiership as he laughed off plots to overthrow him.
The Prime Minister has so far managed to cling to power, despite a significant number of his own backbenchers demanding he stand down and four ministers resigning.
In the Commons on Wednesday, he appeared to joke about a letter – written by Labour former minister Catherine West and signed by 80 MPs – which called for him to go.
Sir Keir had praised Labour MP for Bradford West Naz Shah’s new book, before adding: “Her list of endorsements is truly impressive, reaching well over 100 members.
“At last, a list that we could all get behind.”
Another statement urging the Labour Party to come together behind the Prime Minister was signed by more than 100 MPs.
