Sir Keir Starmer could face a fresh General Election if mutinous Labour MPs pull off a coup, allies of the PM have said.
The Mail revealed how "friends of the Prime Minister" had warned that any new leader - like the much-rumoured Wes Streeting - would "need their own mandate' from the British public.
Labour rules require 20 per cent of the parliamentary party, or 81 MPs, to back a new candidate to launch a formal leadership challenge.
And there are no legal requirements in place for a fresh election in order to confirm a new PM - as seen through Gordon Brown, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
But one source told the newspaper: "In the modern age, you need your own mandate.... The public hate the idea that political parties can stitch up the choice of a new PM without them.
"Anyone thinking of moving against Keir should consider that very carefully."
Nigel Farage, whose surging Reform UK would likely take home hundreds of MPs if polling was repeated at a GE, said last night: "This is a Government that is all at sea, without a rudder.
"The sooner we have an election, the better it will be for the country. Not that I'm holding my breath."
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Rachel Reeves pledges 'fair decisions' will be made at Budget - despite all but admitting Labour will pedal back on manifesto promise
Rachel Reeves has pledged she will make 'fair decisions' at her next Budget
|PA
Rachel Reeves has pledges she will make "fair decisions" at the upcoming Budget - despite all but admitting Labour’s manifesto promise not to hike income tax will be ditched.
In response to the latest GDP data, the Chancellor said: "We had the fastest-growing economy in the G7 in the first half of the year, but there’s more to do to build an economy that works for working people.
"At my Budget later this month, I will take the fair decisions to build a strong economy that helps us to continue to cut waiting lists, cut the national debt and cut the cost of living."
UK economy grew 0.1 per cent - slower than expected in the three months to September
The economy grew at a slower rate than expected in the three months to September, according to the Office for National Statatics (ONS) figures.
The news will come as a heavy blow to Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the November 26 budget.
Liz McKeown, the ONS' director of economic statistics, said: "Growth slowed further in the third quarter of the year with both services and construction weaker than in the previous period.
"There was also a further contraction in production."
Economic growth was a key priority for Ms Reeves.
POLL OF THE DAY: Should there be a General Election if Labour MPs oust Keir Starmer?
Keir Starmer could face a fresh General Election if mutinous Labour MPs pull off a coup
|GETTY
Today's top story sees Sir Keir Starmer potentially facing a fresh General Election if mutinous Labour MPs pull off a coup, according to the PM's allies.
Now, GB News is asking members: Should there be a General Election if Labour MPs oust Keir Starmer?
Reform UK forced to contend with chilling double 'vandalism' in London and Wales
Reform UK has been forced to contend with two incidents of apparent vandalism in London and Wales.
In the capital, the words "death to Farage" were seen scrawled on a wall in Camden. GB News understands the Metropolitan Police is now looking into the matter.
While in Wales, a Reform UK wreath laid on Remembrance Sunday was vandalised just hours after local residents paid their respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
A party spokesman told Britain's News Channel last night: "Reform are clear that this sort of behaviour has no place in our politics, but many other parties have not been vocal enough in calling this out.
"We all have a duty to ensure that politics is a battle of ideas."
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'Death threat' graffiti directed at Nigel Farage spotted in London
Keir Starmer now says SORRY to Wes Streeting just 24 hours after frenzied No10 'briefing war' broke out
Sir Keir Starmer has said sorry to Wes Streeting just 24 hours after a frenzied "briefing war" broke out at the heart of No10.
The PM is set to investigate the source of the accusations that the Health Secretary was mounting a coup to become Labour leader, party chairwoman Anna Turley said last night.
She added that Sir Keir will "take action" to prevent future attacks taking place.
Mr Streeting had earlier condemned the "toxic culture" inside Downing Street and questioned whether the PM's long-time ally and chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, should keep his job.
Sir Keir eventually admitted the hostile briefings against his own Health Secretary were "completely unacceptable", then moved to ease relations with him directly.
According to a No10 source, the PM "briefly" spoke with Mr Streeting directly on Wednesday evening to apologise.
It is understood the pair did not talk about Mr McSweeney - but agreed to talk again soon.
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