LONDON: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday dismissed reports of an internal plot to oust him, insisting he leads a “united team” despite growing speculation of divisions within his government ahead of a crucial budget announcement later this month.
Speaking in parliament, Starmer said his cabinet was focused on “rebuilding the country,” brushing aside rumours that senior ministers were positioning themselves for a potential leadership challenge. His remarks followed a series of anonymous briefings suggesting Starmer would resist any attempt to remove him from office.
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The controversy intensified after Health Minister Wes Streeting — widely seen as a future leadership contender — was forced to publicly deny that he planned to seek Starmer’s resignation. “I support the prime minister,” Streeting told Sky News, reiterating that he had backed Starmer since his election as Labour leader. Starmer, in turn, defended Streeting, saying he was doing a “great job” and condemned personal attacks within the cabinet as “completely unacceptable.”
Opposition Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch seized on the infighting, declaring that the government had “descended into civil war.”
Starmer, who led Labour to a landslide victory in July last year, faces mounting challenges as his government’s popularity slides amid economic stagnation and rising concerns over immigration. The upcoming November 26 budget, to be presented by Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, is expected to include tax increases despite Labour’s campaign pledge not to raise taxes — a move that has reportedly angered some MPs.
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Political observers note that a formal leadership challenge would require nominations from 20 percent of Labour MPs, or around 80 members. However, many within the party warn that such a contest could destabilise Labour and echo the years of internal turmoil that plagued the Conservatives.
“The party must stay focused on governing and delivering results,” said one backbench Labour MP, adding that the priority should be “rebuilding trust and fixing the country after years of Conservative mismanagement.”