STORY
Wes Streeting has said Sir Keir Starmer could face a Labour leadership challenge next week, increasing pressure on the Prime Minister ahead of the Makerfield by-election. Streeting, who resigned as Health Secretary, said he believed there was support among Labour MPs for a contest and called on Starmer to consider his position.
Starmer, speaking while attending the G7 summit in France, said he intended to fight any challenge and wanted to turn around Labour’s political position after a difficult period for the Government. He also said Andy Burnham would be a major asset to Labour if he returned to Parliament and indicated that he would be open to offering him a senior role in Government.
The comments came before voters in Makerfield go to the polls in a by-election which could return Burnham to the House of Commons. The contest has become a focus for speculation about Labour’s leadership and the future direction of the Government, with senior figures seeking to manage internal divisions before any formal challenge is launched.