URGENT UPDATE: Political tensions are escalating within the Labour Party as rivals prepare to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership. With January 2026 underway, speculation mounts over whether Health Secretary Wes Streeting will make his move to seize the party leadership before Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham can return to Parliament.
Labour MPs are on high alert, watching closely for any signs of a decisive bid from Streeting, who has long coveted the top position. According to one backbencher, “It is now or never for Wes. Sooner or later, Andy will find a seat, and Wes will be toast.” As local elections in May loom, the pressure is on for potential challengers to act swiftly.
Downing Street is reportedly monitoring MPs and aides suspected of aligning with Streeting, including Josh MacAlister, the MP for Whitehaven. Meanwhile, Burnham’s supporters are gearing up for a strategic push as they anticipate a disastrous outcome for Starmer in the upcoming elections.
The stakes are high. Burnham’s camp is confident that he will partner with Angela Rayner as they strategize in secret meetings, potentially at the residence of Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram. One insider indicated that Burnham is considering a “radical Left-wing Cabinet” to implement significant changes, stating, “There will only be three years of the Parliament left, so it will be important to shake things up quickly.”
Should Burnham secure a parliamentary seat through a by-election, the strategy could involve a “stalking horse” candidacy from Norwich South MP Clive Lewis, who has expressed willingness to step aside for Burnham. However, gaining the support of 81 Labour MPs will be crucial for any leadership bid.
As tensions rise, sources close to Streeting maintain that he is focused on navigating the NHS through a challenging winter, while a spokesperson for Burnham dismisses the plotting claims as “fiction.”
As the political landscape shifts, all eyes will be on Labour MPs to see who breaks cover first in this high-stakes leadership contest. With time running out, the party’s future hangs in the balance, making this a critical moment for the Labour Party and its members.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
