"With Keir Starmer's poll ratings getting worse and the Labour party alarmed by the prospect of wipeout at next May's local elections, there is much speculation at Westminster about whether he can last the course. The prime minister is bullish about the prospect of standing aside for another candidate, saying he has defied his detractors before and would do so again."
"Timing is everything in politics. When Downing Street unleashed an extraordinary bout of leadership speculation amid fears Starmer was vulnerable to a challenge after the budget, it was not Rayner they were worried about. Although his former deputy remains popular among Labour MPs, the unions and the membership, it was widely felt that she needed more time for the scandal around her unpaid stamp duty bill to fall away."
Keir Starmer's poll ratings are worsening and Labour fears a wipeout at next May's local elections, prompting leadership speculation. The prime minister asserts resilience and willingness to stand aside for another candidate but faces doubt from many within his party about his ability to reverse fortunes. Angela Rayner remains popular with MPs, unions and members and can rebuild after the unpaid stamp duty scandal. Rayner's allies are active behind the scenes and she positions herself as more than a kingmaker. Sources suggest a successful Rayner might appoint a centrist chancellor to reassure markets. Wes Streeting is a known leadership aspirant drawing attention from close Starmer allies.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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