Starmer warns of 'chaos' amid speculation about challenge

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Starmer warns of 'chaos' amid speculation about challenge5 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleJoshua NevettPolitical reporterPA MediaEmbattled Sir Keir Starmer has warned his ministers and MPs that a Labour leadership contest could result in "chaos" amid speculation that Health Secretary Wes Streeting is plotting to challenge him imminently. The prime minister sought to rally his quarrelling MPs behind a package of new laws aimed at ending "the status quo that has failed working people". Speaking in the Commons before he met the ministers and MPs, he promised reforms to areas including health, housing and immigration.

He is battling to save his job after four ministers quit and dozens of Labour MPs urged him to resign after last week's heavy losses in local elections across England, and elections in Scotland and Wales. Supporters of Streeting told the they expected him to challenge Sir Keir for the Labour leadership as soon as Thursday. Streeting would need the support of 81 MPs to trigger a leadership contest under the Labour Party's rules.

The Details

Streeting met the prime minister in No 10 Downing Street for less than 20 minutes on Wednesday morning, after days of intense speculation that he is preparing a bid to replace him. The prime minister's spokesman said Sir Keir had "full confidence" in Streeting but would not comment on the details of their meeting. On Wednesday evening, Sir Keir held a series of meetings with Labour MPs and ministers in Parliament, telling colleagues: "We cannot let a leadership contest plunge us into chaos - a challenge would 100% do that.

"The has been told there were two meetings, one with ministers of state and one with more junior ministers, and they lasted about 15 minutes. Ministers told Sir Keir the government needed to act more like insurgents and govern differently, and the prime minister accepted he needed to change. Chris Mason: Big moment ahead for Streeting to decide whether to go for itThe key measures in the King's SpeechThe potential challengers to Keir StarmerWes Streeting: Ambitious minister at centre of leadership speculationHow would a Labour leadership contest work?

Streeting and Starmer met shortly before the Labour government set out its legislative programme in the King's Speech, which marked the start of a new parliamentary session. The legislation announced by King Charles III in the House of Lords included plans to abolish NHS England, to introduce digital ID, limit trials by jury and end the leasehold system in England and Wales. There were also proposals to nationalise British Steel, fast-track green energy infrastructure, forge closer trading ties with the EU, and invest in major improvements to rail services in northern England.

Outlining the bills in the House of Commons, Sir Keir said the King's Speech was an "agenda of radical reform across our major public services".

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.