Streeting in standoff with No 10 as allies claim things are shifting'

"The health secretary had been widely expected to launch a challenge on Thursday and has told supporters he has the backing of the 81 MPs required to launch a formal contest. A source close to Streeting said he had the numbers but things are shifting. But allies said he was still hoping not to have to move against Starmer directly and that more and more MPs were privately asking the prime minister to resign or set out a departure timetable."

"Cabinet ministers told the Guardian it was untrue that they were planning to ask Starmer to go on Thursday afternoon, accusing Streeting's supporters of trying to brief resignations into existence. MPs who are supportive of Starmer said Streeting's supporters had been ringing MPs who had backed other candidates, asking them to lend their support to launch a challenge and suggesting incorrectly that they could then switch allegiances."

"The Guardian revealed on Thursday that Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, has been cleared by HMRC over her tax affairs. It gives Rayner the opportunity now to enter any leadership contest, which she has indicated she will do if Streeting challenges the prime minister."

"Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, is said to have spent six hours talking to MPs considering backing Streeting, persuading several to withdraw their names from his list of backers."

Wes Streeting faces a standoff with No 10 over a potential Labour leadership challenge against Keir Starmer. Streeting has told supporters he has the backing of 81 MPs required to launch a formal contest, though a source close to him says the situation is changing. Allies say Streeting still hopes Starmer will resign without a direct move, while more MPs privately press for resignation or a departure timetable. Cabinet ministers deny plans to ask Starmer to go on Thursday afternoon and accuse Streeting supporters of trying to create resignations through briefings. Angela Rayner has been cleared by HMRC over her tax affairs, enabling her to enter a contest if Streeting challenges Starmer. Supporters of Starmer say Streeting backers have contacted MPs to secure names and suggest they could switch allegiances. Darren Jones has reportedly spent hours persuading MPs to withdraw their support from Streeting’s list.

Read at www.theguardian.com