Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned Wednesday that any attempt to unseat him would push the Labour Party into “chaos,” as speculation grew over a possible challenge following the party’s weak local election performance.
Starmer urged ministers to avoid further instability, telling Sky News that a leadership move on Thursday “would 100 percent” destabilize the party.
British media reported that Health Secretary Wes Streeting is weighing whether to resign and launch a leadership bid as early as Thursday morning. A formal challenge would require support from 81 Labour lawmakers. Streeting was seen entering No. 10 Downing Street before the state opening of Parliament but left less than 20 minutes later.
Pressure on Starmer has mounted since Labour’s disappointing local election results. Several junior ministers resigned Tuesday, while senior cabinet members publicly reaffirmed their backing for the prime minister.
Eleven Labour‑affiliated unions issued a joint statement urging the party to prepare for a leadership transition, saying it is “clear the Prime Minister will not lead Labour into the next election” and that a plan for selecting a new leader will eventually be needed.
The Scottish National Party also threatened to table a no‑confidence motion, saying the “leadership circus can’t go on any longer,” according to Sky News.