London, United Kingdom. British energy minister Ed Miliband told cabinet ministers he would be prepared to run for the Labour Party leadership if an imminent contest were triggered, The Times reported. Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced growing calls from within Labour to step down after heavy local election losses.
The Times report and Miliband response
The Times reported on Tuesday that Miliband said he would be prepared to stand for the leadership if health minister Wes Streeting moved to trigger a contest. The newspaper said Miliband later denied he was actively planning a leadership bid.
Miliband did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Starmer rejects calls to resign
Starmer on Tuesday rejected calls to resign, telling ministers he would continue governing during what he described as a “destabilising” period following Labour’s heavy losses in local elections.
At a cabinet meeting, he acknowledged responsibility for one of Labour’s worst electoral performances in recent years but said no formal leadership challenge had been launched. “The Labour Party has a process for challenging a leader and that has not been triggered,” Starmer told ministers, according to Downing Street. “The country expects us to get on with governing. That is what I am doing and what we must do as a cabinet.”
Resignations and pressure from MPs
More than 80 Labour MPs publicly called for Starmer to announce a timetable for his departure. Jess Phillips became one of four junior ministers to resign on Tuesday, criticising what she described as Starmer’s “timid style and incremental approach”.
Her resignation added to unrest within Labour after a period marked by scandals, policy reversals and declining support inside the party.
Focus on potential successors
Attention has turned to senior Labour figures seen as possible successors, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who is widely viewed as having leadership ambitions. No senior minister has yet moved openly against Starmer.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy publicly backed Starmer after the cabinet meeting, dismissing calls for him to step aside.
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