Starmer Faces Growing Dissent as Labour MPs Weigh Leadership Challenge

Published: 12 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Allies of British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have made it clear that he will fight any attempt by Labour MPs to challenge his leadership amid growing speculation of internal party dissent. Concerns have been mounting among his supporters that his position could come under threat shortly after the upcoming Budget, expected in a fortnight’s time.

Downing Street insiders have dismissed claims that Starmer’s leadership is in crisis, describing the reports as part of a “bunker mode” narrative that critics say will do little to ease tensions within the government. Friends of the prime minister say they are alarmed by what they perceive as behind-the-scenes manoeuvring to replace him, warning that any leadership challenge would plunge Labour into chaos and destabilise both the government and financial markets.

Among those being discussed as potential successors are several of Starmer’s senior cabinet colleagues, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and backbencher Louise Haigh, the former transport secretary, have also been named in speculative conversations among Labour MPs.

“He will fight this,” one minister said, invoking the 2021 Hartlepool by-election that saw Labour lose a key seat to the Conservatives. “This is not a Hartlepool moment. He is one of only two people alive who have won a general election for Labour. It would be madness to run against him after just 17 months.”

Within the Labour Party, there is growing anxiety about the months ahead, particularly with devolved elections in Scotland and Wales and local elections in England due next May. Many MPs privately acknowledge that poor results in those contests could further erode confidence in Starmer’s leadership. However, others believe the party cannot afford to wait that long before making a decision on its future direction.

A senior Labour MP warned: “It’s all very well to say wait for the locals, but that’s my activist base I’m sending into the gunfire. I can’t lose all my councillors.” Another source suggested that if Streeting chose to move against Starmer after the Budget, “he may well be rewarded by being prime minister by Christmas.”

Streeting’s office has strongly rejected any suggestion of disloyalty, calling the claims “categorically untrue.” A spokesperson said the health secretary’s focus “has entirely been on cutting waiting lists, recruiting more GPs, and rebuilding the NHS that saved his life.”

The growing speculation has exposed divisions within Labour, with one government source accusing Starmer’s team of briefing against senior cabinet members, including current and former deputy leaders Angela Rayner and Lucy Powell, as well as Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. “A circular firing squad won’t help the government out of the hole we’re in,” the source added.

Despite the unease, Labour peer Lord Maurice Glasman told BBC’s Newsnight that he saw no credible alternative to Starmer, describing the leadership chatter as “just noise.” He said: “There isn’t a clear direction, there isn’t a clear strategy… none of the candidates challenging Keir have any idea either.” Glasman expressed full support for Starmer, saying: “The only one of genuine quality among the rest is Shabana Mahmood, but she has a job to do.”

Starmer’s allies are urging Labour MPs to think carefully before pursuing any challenge, warning that it could lead to the kind of instability that defined the final years of the Conservative government. They argue that the prime minister retains a strong mandate and that a change in leadership would damage both party unity and the UK’s international standing, particularly given Starmer’s close working relationship with President Trump.

However, some within the government admit morale is low and public sentiment dire. “It’s terrible. He’s hated out there. It’s worse than it got under Corbyn,” one minister said. “I don’t see how this is sustainable until May.”

Opinion polls suggest Starmer’s approval ratings have sunk to record lows, making him one of the least popular prime ministers in modern British history. Support for Labour has fallen to around 20% of the electorate, while the right-wing Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage continues to gain traction.

Replacing Starmer would not be simple. Under Labour’s rules, at least 20% of MPs—81, based on the current parliamentary size—would need to nominate a challenger. Despite growing frustration, few in the party appear ready to take such a step, and many fear it would backfire.

One cabinet minister loyal to Starmer summed up the dilemma: “Some people think the choice is between this government and perfection. But it’s not. The choice is between us and Reform.”

The prime minister reportedly views his rivalry with Farage as a defining battle for Labour’s future and insists he has both the determination and political capital to defeat him. Whether his party shares that conviction remains uncertain. For now, Starmer appears intent on holding his ground, determined to see off internal dissent and restore confidence in his leadership.