After days of setbacks, distractions, and intense campaign struggles involving Starmer and his MPs, the options for his removal are becoming more apparent.
The prime minister might hold his position for a month or two. If he doesn’t establish a timeline for departure, he may face challenges from two opponents: Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, whose intentions to contest were shelved on Thursday.
Standing by is Starmer’s former deputy Angela Rayner, popular within Labour’s “soft left,” should Burnham falter in his attempt for leadership. Rayner announced Thursday that she was cleared of any deliberate wrongdoing in a tax investigation and attended a Buckingham Palace garden party as parliamentary talks continued.
“We will eventually succeed,” an ally of Streeting said anonymously. Another ally commented: “The only thing left is to voice our frustrations.”
In the interim, participants are expected to oscillate between strategic planning and forming alliances, drafting agendas for a potential future government — while Starmer counters becoming Britain’s fifth prime minister removed in seven years.
First in line to succeed Starmer is Burnham, known as the “King of the North” for his leadership in Greater Manchester. However, he must return to Parliament as an MP to contend for the position.
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