Keir Starmer strikes back at Labour leadership mutiny and urges party colleagues to remain 'united'

Oliver Partridge
Sat, 02 May 2026 19:43:11 +0000

Sir Keir Starmer has called on Labour colleagues to remain "united" amid growing speculation of a challenge to his premiership from prominent party figures.

The Prime Minister pointed to the internal divisions that plagued the Conservatives, where frequent, fast handed changes of leadership came in rapid succession.

The plea comes amid growing speculation that both Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Health Secretary Wes Streeting are positioning themselves to mount bids against him.

Writing in The Observer, Sir Keir stated: "We have a choice. We could sink into the politics of grievance and division. Or we could rise to this moment together in a national effort that matches the scale of the threats and turbulence we face."

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Reports surfaced this week that Mr Burnham has devised a strategy to re-enter Parliament in the coming weeks, by identifying constituencies where sitting MPs would be willing to vacate their seats.

Such resignations would trigger by-elections, potentially opening a path for the Manchester Mayor to return to Westminster.

Those backing Mr Burnham are allegedly seeking to circumvent a direct leadership contest, instead hoping to initiate circumstances that would prompt Sir Keir to voluntarily relinquish his position.

This approach is predicated on expectations of poor Labour performance in the looming local elections scheduled for May 7.

With Mr Burnham seemingly on the front foot, the Health Secretary is simultaneously preparing his own challenge to the Prime Minister's leadership.

Reports emerged yesterday that Mr Streeting has secured backing from more than 81 Labour MPs for his bid to replace Sir Keir.

This figure surpasses the minimum number of parliamentary supporters required under party rules to formally trigger a leadership contest.

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As if two potential challengers wasn't enough to cause concern, Angela Rayner has also made a bid for replacing Sir Keir.

The former Deputy Prime Minister, who is still being investigated for her tax dealings, is understood to be laying the groundwork for a leadership challenge of her own.

Labour MPs have been accused of plotting to block Ms Rayner's path to No10, expressing fears about her succession by warning the party risks "sleepwalking" into her premiership if she manages to rally support.

Despite the internal turbulence, Sir Keir outlined an ambitious programme of government reform and strengthened European relations.

"This government will reshape our nation. Over the coming weeks, through the King's speech and beyond, we will set out our agenda of radical reform with activist, interventionist government building a stronger and fairer country," he wrote.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the necessity of closer economic ties with Brussels, arguing that Brexit has harmed the British economy, and that circumstances have shifted considerably since the 2016 referendum.

Sir Keir confirmed he would attend the European Political Community summit to advance cooperation on defence, security, energy and trade.