Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced an escalating leadership challenge on Thursday, with his health minister reportedly ready to resign and his former deputy calling on him to "reflect" on his position.
Starmer has repeatedly said he will fight to keep his job, but has been unable to stem calls for his departure after Labour suffered heavy losses in local elections last week.
While calls for resignation ebbed on Wednesday when the government set out its agenda, Thursday brought renewed pressure. Health Secretary Wes Streeting was expected to resign to launch a leadership bid, though Starmer's allies questioned his support.
Angela Rayner, cleared of tax wrongdoing, urged Starmer to consider stepping aside. "The pace of change hasn't been enough," she told the Guardian.
Finance minister Rachel Reeves warned against "plunging the country into chaos," noting economic growth and falling NHS waiting lists.
Aviva CEO Amanda Blanc said political turmoil harms business: "Too many changes of government strategy and leadership in six years. That is harmful to a major economy."
A Survation poll suggests a left-wing candidate would likely win a leadership contest. Potential contenders include Ed Miliband, Andy Burnham, and Al Carns.
