How would a Labour leadership challenge work and how safe is Starmer?

"Speaking to the Guardian and others, Starmer's most senior political aides warned that he would fight any reckless attempt to challenge him after the budget or May elections, while voicing fears that Wes Streeting, the health secretary, was among those manoeuvring to replace him. Instead of putting to bed any questions about his future, the briefing has sparked fresh questions about Starmer's future and thrown the spotlight on Streeting as a potential successor."

"A Labour leadership contest can be triggered if 20% of the party's MPs throw their weight behind a replacement candidate. Given there are 405 Labour MPs, 81 would need to support a challenger. The threshold was increased from 10% in 2021. Starmer would automatically be on the ballot paper in any contest, and his closest allies have made it clear that he would fight any attempt to dislodge him. Labour members and affiliates, including the trade unions, would be able to vote in the ballot."

An extraordinary briefing war at the top of government reignited questions about Keir Starmer's leadership and prompted senior aides to warn they would resist any reckless attempt to replace him. Aides expressed fears that health secretary Wes Streeting was among figures manoeuvring to succeed. A Labour leadership contest requires nominations from 20% of Labour MPs — 81 of 405 — a threshold increased from 10% in 2021. Starmer would automatically appear on any ballot and his closest allies say he would fight to remain leader. Labour members and affiliated organisations, including trade unions, would vote, with timing decided by the NEC. No Labour prime minister has been ousted by the party; Jeremy Corbyn experienced the only formal modern challenge.

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