‘Why are we even doing this?’ The week that left Britain’s PM looking like an interim leader
Keir Starmer faced a turbulent week that significantly weakened his authority as Prime Minister, with growing internal party pressure for him to step down following poor election results. Although no formal leadership challenge has been mounted, figures like Wes Streeting and Catherine West fueled speculation, while Andy Burnham emerged as a potential successor. Despite allies defending Starmer and dismissing the unrest as irresponsible, the perception of him as an interim leader has taken hold within the party and public.
- ▪Keir Starmer's authority was significantly undermined after a week of internal party unrest and resignation calls following Labour's poor performance in local elections.
- ▪Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary and called for a leadership contest, though he did not secure enough support to formally challenge Starmer.
- ▪Andy Burnham is seen as the likely successor but must first win a byelection in Makerfield to re-enter parliament.
- ▪Catherine West, a lesser-known Labour MP, initiated calls for Starmer to step down and potentially trigger a leadership race.
- ▪Josh Simons became the only MP to announce he would step down to allow Burnham a parliamentary seat, though Burnham has not yet confirmed his candidacy.
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Keir Starmer’s allies continue to insist he would contest any challenge. Photograph: Peter Nicholls/PAView image in fullscreenKeir Starmer’s allies continue to insist he would contest any challenge. Photograph: Peter Nicholls/PAKeir Starmer‘Why are we even doing this?’ The week that left Britain’s PM looking like an interim leaderPM has shed authority in week that has made him look like an interim leader in office only until replacement foundPeter Walker and Pippa CrerarSat 16 May 2026 03.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIt was a minute or so into his BBC interview on Friday morning, after being asked about “moves” to remove Keir Starmer, that Steve Reed ran out of patience. “There is no contest,” he interrupted. “‘Moves’ mean nothing.
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