Starmer allies say ousting PM would be reckless' as fears grow over leadership challenge

"Downing Street has launched an extraordinary operation to protect Keir Starmer amid fears among the prime minister's closest allies that he is vulnerable to a leadership challenge in the wake of the budget. Starmer's most senior political aides warned that any attempt to oust the prime minister over tanking poll ratings would be a reckless and dangerous move that could destabilise the markets, international relationships and the Labour party."

"They insisted that Starmer would fight to retain the leadership in any contest that followed a challenge, either immediately after the budget or, more plausibly, following defeat at the May local elections. A bitter row broke out after No 10 sources said they had grown increasingly concerned over speculation among MPs that Wes Streeting could be planning an imminent coup against the prime minister a move fiercely denied by the health secretary."

"In a sign of how anxious some in No 10 have become over Starmer's position, senior figures said they had been told that Streeting had 50 frontbenchers willing to stand down if the budget landed badly and the prime minister did not go. Cabinet ministers told the Guardian that Streeting was just one of several Labour figures who were on manoeuvres for the leadership should a vacancy arise but that none of them were likely to move against Starmer now."

Downing Street has launched measures to shield Keir Starmer from a possible leadership challenge following poor polling and the budget. Senior aides warned that removing the prime minister over falling ratings would be reckless and could destabilise markets, international relationships and the Labour party. Starmer's team said he would contest any leadership contest, likely after the May local elections if necessary. No 10 signalled concern about potential rivals, naming figures allegedly maneuvering for the leadership and claiming reports that Wes Streeting had frontbenchers ready to stand down if the budget performed badly.

Read at www.theguardian.com