Labour leadership limbo deepens as Starmer faces ‘slow-motion coup’
British political analysts describe the current situation within the Labour Party as a period of uncertainty, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s resignation and the pending Makerfield by-election setting the stage for a potential leadership transition.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is navigating a period of significant internal pressure within the Labour Party, characterised by critics as a "slow-motion coup" following poor performance in the local elections on 7 May. The unrest has led to the resignation of Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who has signalled his intent to contest the party leadership, arguing that Starmer should not lead the party into the next general election. While no formal leadership challenge has been launched, the potential succession is contingent on Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor, securing a parliamentary seat.
Labour suffered a setback in the local elections on 7 May, losing 1,498 council seats in England and control of the Welsh Senedd. In response, several cabinet ministers have privately urged Starmer to set a timetable for his departure. Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from the cabinet on 14 May, stating that Starmer will not lead the party into the next general election, and has confirmed his intention to contest a future leadership election.
The potential succession is complicated by the status of Andy Burnham, who requires a parliamentary seat to run. This depends on a by-election in Makerfield scheduled for June 18, where Reform UK poses a significant threat. Political analysts suggest that if Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election, he is likely to become the next Prime Minister, leaving Starmer as a "lame-duck" leader in the interim.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has publicly taunted Starmer, declaring he is "in office but not in power," echoing historical Tory infighting rhetoric. Makerfield MP Josh Simons announced on 14 May that he is willing to resign to allow Burnham to contest the seat, following days of uncertainty where other Manchester MPs ruled out stepping down. Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) gave permission for Burnham to stand for the Makerfield seat on 15 May, a move interpreted by British media as a sign of waning authority for Starmer.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has stated his party will "throw absolutely everything" at the Makerfield by-election, while the Greens have rebuffed calls to stand aside, increasing the risk that Reform could win the seat. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has indicated she will stand for the Labour leadership if Burnham is unable to return to parliament. Starmer has privately told allies he is listening to voices in the party and considering a timetable for leaving office, despite public pledges to fight on.
