Potential Contenders for Keir Starmer’s Position

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s political standing is currently precarious following the resignation of Health Secretary Wes Streeting from the government. While Starmer has not yet activated a formal leadership contest, associates of Streeting had previously indicated to the BBC that they anticipated a challenge against the Prime Minister as early as Thursday. This development follows pressure from nearly 90 MPs and several ministers urging Starmer to step down, either immediately or in the near future. Despite this unrest, Labour MPs remain divided on who should succeed Starmer as both party leader and head of government. Downing Street has firmly stated that Starmer intends to defend his leadership against any challenge. Although no other figures have publicly declared their candidacy, several names have emerged as potential contenders.

Wes Streeting

Streeting, who has served as Health Secretary since Labour’s 2024 victory after three years in the shadow role, was first elected to Parliament in 2015. His background includes tenure as president of the National Union of Students and as a London councillor. In his 2023 memoir, he detailed his upbringing in a London East End council flat, his experiences as a gay Christian, and visits to his grandfather, a bank robber, in prison.

Recognized as the cabinet’s most effective communicator, Streeting cites the reduction in NHS waiting lists as a key governmental achievement. He has previously expressed interest in the leadership and commands significant backing from Labour MPs, particularly those positioned on the party’s center and right. His potential allies in the cabinet include Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Science Secretary Liz Kendall. However, his positioning as a right-leaning candidate may face resistance from party members, who generally lean further to the left than the parliamentary party.

Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham enjoys robust support among Labour MPs and polls indicate he is the most popular Labour figure among the general public. He boasts an extensive governance record, having served as Greater Manchester mayor for nearly ten years, a tenure that earned him the moniker "the King of the North." Burnham has been transparent about his desire for the premiership.

The primary barrier to his candidacy is his current status as a non-MP. However, with Labour MP Josh Simons resigning from the Makersfield constituency near Manchester, Burnham now has a pathway back to Westminster. He must first be selected as Labour’s candidate by the National Executive Committee (NEC) to contest the upcoming by-election. Success in this race would allow him to pursue the premiership, provided he secures the backing of 81 MPs. This would be Burnham’s second return to Westminster; he previously served as MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017, holding senior roles in health and culture. He previously ran for leadership in 2010, losing to Ed Miliband, and finished second to Jeremy Corbyn in 2015. Earlier this year, the NEC blocked his bid to be Labour’s candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

If elected, Burnham would likely draw support from the party’s left and MPs from the North West. Key allies, including Deputy Labour Leader Lucy Powell and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, are expected to back his campaign should he enter the fray.

Angela Rayner

Until last year, Angela Rayner held the position of Deputy Prime Minister, making her the most influential woman in British politics. Her ascent from poverty, leaving school at 16 without qualifications, is considered remarkable. Her career began in care work, leading to involvement with the trade union Unison, which served as her entry point into politics.

Rayner was elected for the Greater Manchester constituency of Ashton-under-Lyne in 2015. She rapidly rose through Westminster ranks, eventually serving in Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-15 03:34:33 UTC