"Downing Street insiders suggested that the health secretary did not yet have the required support from the 81 MPs he needed to formally launch a leadership bid after Starmer issued a put up or shut up' ultimatum to his cabinet. Streeting was due to hold talks with Starmer on Wednesday, at which he was expected to talk candidly about his concerns, with No 10 insiders suggesting he was climbing down from intense speculation that he was on the brink of running."
"After all that, it's looking like Wes may not have the numbers after all, one loyalist cabinet minister told the Guardian. I'm pleased and furious at the same time. The best thing for him now is to come out with some dignity and end the drama. Starmer's allies also believe he has seen off a threat from the Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, for the time being, with one saying: Andy's supporters keep saying he's got a seat. But where is it? It's not real unless he has one."
"However, the prime minister's fragile authority has been further weakened by the resignation of four ministers three of them close allies of Streeting in what appeared to be an orchestrated move. More than 90 Labour MPs have called for him to go. At a key meeting on Tuesday, Labour-backing unions were divided over whether to call for Starmer to set out a timetable for his departure, the Guardian understands, but privately agreed they did not feel he should lead the party into the next election."
Keir Starmer gained confidence after a challenge from Wes Streeting did not develop into a leadership bid. Downing Street insiders said Streeting lacked support from the 81 MPs needed to formally launch a bid, despite several health secretary allies leaving the government. Streeting was expected to meet Starmer to discuss concerns and reduce speculation about running. Starmer’s allies also believed he had temporarily contained pressure from Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who would need a parliamentary seat to challenge. Starmer’s authority was further weakened by the resignation of four ministers, including close allies of Streeting, in a move seen as coordinated. More than 90 Labour MPs called for Starmer to go, and Labour-backing unions were divided on whether to demand a timetable, but privately agreed he should not lead into the next election.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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