Starmer Faces Backlash After Risky Bid to Quash Challenge

Keir Starmer’s allies sought to avert a leadership challenge by shining a spotlight on the ambitions of a rival for the British prime minister’s job. They may have wound up strengthening the hand of those demanding change at the top.

The leadership worries spilled into the open late Tuesday when Starmer supporters briefed journalists that they believed one of the government’s most high-profile cabinet ministers, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, was plotting to replace him as Labour Party leader. The move shattered the illusion of cabinet unity weeks ahead of a contentious budget and renewed private calls for Starmer to fire top aides, including his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.