Wes Streeting is considering a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer and has the support to do it, it has been reported.
The Health Secretary has the support of more than 81 MPs, meaning he could launch a leadership challenge within days, according to the Telegraph.
The Prime Minister was reportedly made aware of Mr Streeting’s maneuverings when a No 10 aide was mistakenly messaged details of his plans.
This included mention of his “PFG”, plan for government, and the “five pillars” of a strategy to become Labour leader.
Sir Keir’s leadership could be under threat following the local elections on May 7, when Labour are predicted to suffer heavy losses.
One poll put Labour and Zack Polanski’s Green Party neck-and-neck in Sir Keir’s north London borough of Camden.
National polling also shows Labour’s support down around 20 percentage points compared to just before the London borough elections in 2022.
A poor result for the PM’s party could be the trigger for a leadership challenge following weeks of pressure over his handling of the Lord Mandelson affair.
It has also been suggested that Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner could stand in a leadership contest.
Mr Streeting’s supporters may want him to act as early as next Friday, the day after the elections, which could give him an advantage over his leadership rivals, the Telegraph reported.
However, the Health Secretary has played down suggestions of a challenge. A spokesperson said Mr Streeting has “said repeatedly that he supports the Prime Minister” and that he was “completely focused on his job”.
Mr Burnham also has a plan to return to Westminster “within weeks” to allow him to run for Labour leader, according to a report by the Guardian.
