UPDATE: Tensions within the Labour Party are escalating as MPs speculate on who will be the first to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership. With the political landscape heating up, insiders suggest that Health Secretary Wes Streeting may be poised to make his move sooner rather than later.
As of January 3, 2026, Labour MPs are closely monitoring developments, weighing the potential return of Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to the House of Commons. One MP remarked, “It’s now or never for Wes. If Andy secures a seat, Wes will be toast.” The urgency is palpable, with local elections looming in May, which many predict will be disastrous for Starmer.
Downing Street is reportedly keeping tabs on MPs suspected of covertly supporting Streeting, including Josh MacAlister, the MP for Whitehaven. A former government aide, dismissed in a recent shake-up, is also under scrutiny. Sources indicate that discussions surrounding a potential Burnham candidacy are intensifying, as supporters believe he may team up with Deputy Leader Angela Rayner.
Despite Burnham’s lack of a secure constituency, his backers are strategizing in secret meetings, with one supporter indicating a desire for a “radical Left-wing Cabinet” to implement drastic change. “There are only three years left in this Parliament, so shaking things up quickly is crucial,” the MP noted.
If Burnham can secure a seat in a forthcoming by-election, a potential strategy could involve Clive Lewis standing as a “stalking horse” candidate to initiate a leadership contest. Lewis has expressed willingness to step aside for Burnham, but the “King of the North” would need to establish a solid base of support.
The stakes are high, as a candidate needs the backing of at least 81 Labour MPs to run for leader. Observers note that “Wes doesn’t want to face Andy,” as both he and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood appear to be preparing for a showdown.
While sources close to MacAlister deny any involvement in Streeting’s campaign, claiming he is focused on his duties as children and families minister, Streeting’s spokesperson emphasized, “He is entirely focused on getting the NHS through a challenging winter.” Meanwhile, Burnham’s camp dismissed the plotting claims as “fiction.”
As the political drama unfolds, Labour MPs brace for what could be a pivotal moment in the party’s leadership. With the clock ticking towards the May elections, the question remains: who will be the first to break cover and launch a bid for power? The coming days promise to be critical for the future of the Labour Party.
Stay tuned for live updates as this story develops.
