UK Cabinet minister denies plotting to oust embattled leader Starmer
LONDON — A top official in the British government has refuted claims of a potential plot to remove Prime Minister Keir Starmer, highlighting growing concerns within the Labour Party following disappointing poll results just a year and a half after a landslide election victory.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting dismissed speculation of an impending leadership challenge as “counterproductive and damaging.” His comments came after reports surfaced suggesting that Starmer’s team was prepared to combat any such challenge.
Streeting criticized the rumors, stating, “This misinformation is not only unhelpful but also baseless.” He humorously likened the situation to a reality TV show, saying, “It seems like someone has been watching too much ‘Celebrity Traitors.'”
The 42-year-old health secretary is recognized for his strong communication skills and is often seen as a potential future leader of the party.
While a leadership challenge early in a government’s term is uncommon, Labour members are disheartened by polls showing their party lagging behind the hard-right Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage, although still ahead of the main opposition Conservative Party.
Concerns are mounting ahead of the upcoming budget statement on Nov. 26, which is anticipated to include tax increases, potentially breaking a previous election pledge.
Since taking office in July 2024, Starmer’s administration has faced challenges in fulfilling promises to stimulate the economy, improve public services, and address the cost of living. High inflation, rising unemployment, and a subdued economic forecast further contribute to the discontent.
Recent data reveals a rise in the unemployment rate to 5% in the three months leading to September, up from 4.8% in the previous quarter—marking the highest level since 2016 when excluding the pandemic years.
According to Labour Party regulations, a lawmaker can challenge the leadership with the backing of at least 20% of their peers, currently requiring support from 81 Members of Parliament.
In the UK’s parliamentary system, a ruling party can change the prime minister without an early election, although unelected premiers often face pressure to validate their position by seeking voter approval.
Over the past few years, the UK has seen three Conservative prime ministers—Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak—between the last two general elections in December 2019 and July 2024.
