Rumors about Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership have intensified as Labour Together, a think tank instrumental in his rise, has initiated a survey among local party members exploring potential successors to the prime minister. This development comes amid growing uncertainty about Starmer’s ability to maintain his position following a difficult first 17 months in office and widespread dissatisfaction with recent budget decisions.
The survey, reportedly circulated quietly by Labour Together, asks members to identify which figure has the strongest chance of leading the party to electoral victory in the next general election instead of Starmer. The poll includes eight names, covering five Cabinet ministers—Wes Streeting, Shabana Mahmood, Bridget Phillipson, Ed Miliband, and Darren Jones—as well as Labour figures Angela Rayner, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, and deputy leader Lucy Powell. Respondents were also asked to position each politician on a spectrum from "very Left-wing" to "very Right-wing," and to express preferences in hypothetical head-to-head contests.
Amid speculation about internal leadership shifts, Starmer has publicly praised Angela Rayner, his former deputy prime minister who resigned amid a tax controversy. In recent interviews, he expressed regret over her departure and indicated he would welcome her back to the Cabinet, possibly restoring her previous role or offering the education portfolio currently held by Bridget Phillipson in a reshuffle expected next year.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s supporters have proposed a leadership alliance with Rayner, potentially including her reinstatement as deputy prime minister should she back Streeting’s bid. However, Rayner is said to be resisting these overtures, instead preparing to pursue her own leadership campaign following the May local elections. An ally of Rayner described her intentions as a desire to "be free to develop her own agenda," signaling that she may prefer an independent challenge rather than a joint ticket.
The leadership speculation unfolds against a backdrop of caution from economic analysts, including Capital Economics, who have expressed concern that a shift toward the party’s left wing might exacerbate existing challenges and provoke negative market reactions. Skills Minister Baroness Smith sought to downplay the unrest, describing the survey as “very wide-ranging” and affirming that Starmer is “in the job” and “doing a good job” despite ongoing rumors.
As Labour members and officials navigate this period of leadership uncertainty, the party appears poised for continued internal debate about its direction and future ahead of the next general election.