Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly set to face a leadership challenge as early as Thursday from Wes Streeting, despite stating he retained “full confidence” in the health secretary.
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”.
It comes as Sir Keir cracked jokes about Labour’s leadership turmoil during Wednesday’s debate. He responded to the gracious address from Kemi Badenoch, who declared that “the starting gun of the Labour leadership contest has been fired” to jeers from the prime minister’s alleged rival.
The health secretary could be seen laughing along to jokes made by the prime minister, despite reports he is rallying support for his own campaign.
Meanwhile. Afzal Khan, the Labour MP for Manchester Rusholme, has denied plans to step down to let Andy Burnham return to Westminster and challenge Sir Keir.
Reports circulated that Mr Khan was considering stepping aside for the Greater Manchester mayor should Mr Streeting launch a leadership bid. During an interview with Sky News, he later said the speculation was a “false rumour”.
Read MoreHow Starmer can reassert his authority by sacking Wes Streeting
Labour MPs massively out of step with public on cost of living, survey reveals
Key Points
- Breaking: Angela Rayner says she has been cleared by HMRC
- 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
- Government to introduce Bill to strengthen EU ties
Breaking: 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.
