‘Bloody battle for the Labour Party’ predicted as Keir Starmer’s leadership rivals on manoeuvres

Marcus Donaldson
Sat, 02 May 2026 12:00:40 +0000

A “bloody battle for the Labour Party” has been predicted amid reports of Keir Starmer’s leadership rivals on manoeuvres.

Speaking to GB News, journalist Tom Scotson said the fallout from the local elections would be the “starting gun” for a leadership battle.

He said: "I don't think it's just the local elections that's been priced in. There have been lots of disasters during Keir Starmer's term, whether it's multiple U-turns or poor communication with the public and its own MPs.

“So now, you're seeing prominent MPs and Labour figures gearing up their campaigns."

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Mr Scotson’s analysis comes as reports have surfaced suggesting a number of key Labour figures were sharpening their knives in a bid to oust Sir Keir.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner are leading the pack, while allies of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham are plotting his return to Westminster to join the fray.

Mr Streeting is said to have secured sufficient MP backing to mount a challenge within days, positioning himself as an early mover.

Meanwhile, Ms Rayner has sharpened criticism of the leadership and is seen as a central figure in any bid.

Mr Burnham remains outside Parliament but is reportedly planning a rapid return to run for the leadership, with growing cross-party backing among MPs.

As such, Mr Scotson expected there could be “warfare between candidates”.

“It could be a very bloody battle for the Labour Party,” he said.

Regarding the rumoured challengers themselves, the journalist said Mr Streeting “has seen himself as a future prime minister”.

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Mr Scotson suggested that the Health Secretary would position himself to “unite different sections, not just the left and right, but the old and new Labour MPs.

”However, he added that “most MPs from the left and right of the party want someone who will poll better with the public.

“The only candidate that does that is Andy Burnham.

”That being said, Mr Scotson believed that his lack of position in Parliment could be a critical flaw.

“Fundamentally, he does not have a seat in Parliament. So if he doesn't have a seat in Parliament, he can't replace Keir Starmer and become Prime Minister.

In January, the Manchester Mayor was blocked from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election by Labour’s National Executive Committee.

Alternatively, Mr Scotson suggested Sir Keir could hang on if the rebellion is restricted to “lower key MPs that will say that they are unhappy with the leadership”.

In such a scenario, he predicted the Prime Minister “will then set a different direction”. He suggested this could be “more progressive or closer to Europe… something that is more red meat to the base”.