The Labour Party is facing a potential leadership crisis as both Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham prepare to challenge Keir Starmer’s position. The party is bracing for a period of significant internal upheaval.

Streeting Prepares Leadership Bid

Wes Streeting, currently serving as the Health Secretary, has reportedly garnered the support of over 81 Labour MPs – the number required to formally launch a leadership challenge. He is considering initiating his bid as early as next Friday, immediately following the local elections on May 7th.

This timing is strategic, aiming to capitalize on potential dissatisfaction within the party should Labour underperform in the upcoming elections. Details of Streeting’s potential campaign, including his government plan and five key pillars, were reportedly leaked from Downing Street, adding to the speculation.

Burnham Eyes Westminster Return

Simultaneously, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is preparing to return to Westminster “within weeks.” He is actively seeking parliamentary seats where current MPs are willing to step down, creating opportunities for by-elections that would allow him to re-enter Parliament.

Previous By-Election Attempt

Burnham previously attempted to contest a by-election in Gorton and Denton earlier this year, but the Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) blocked the move due to concerns about costs and the potential for gains by Reform UK. He is now reportedly searching for a suitable candidate to succeed him as mayor, someone who is not currently an MP.

Internal Maneuvering and Potential Coup

The possibility of a leadership contest is further complicated by maneuvering from other Labour figures. Angela Rayner is reportedly in discussions with Ed Miliband and Burnham about a potential “soft Left coup,” though Rayner has not yet decided whether to launch her own bid.

A Labour source described the situation as highly volatile, suggesting the full extent of the upcoming changes is not yet understood. The local elections, encompassing around 5,000 council seats across England, as well as elections in Wales and Scotland, are considered a critical test for Starmer.

Local Elections as a Key Test

Significant losses in the local elections could increase pressure on Starmer to resign, potentially leading to a leadership change before the scheduled September Party Conference. A spokesperson for Streeting has stated he fully supports Starmer and is focused on his current role, but the momentum behind a potential challenge is growing.

The convergence of these factors points to a period of intense internal struggle within the Labour Party, leaving the future of its leadership uncertain.