UPDATE: Tensions within the Labour Party are escalating as party insiders speculate on who will be the first to challenge Prime Minister Wes Streeting for leadership. With January 2026 underway, all eyes are on the potential rivals, particularly Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who is rumored to be preparing a strategic return to Parliament.
As Labour MPs brace for potential moves, one backbencher stated, “It is now or never for Wes. Sooner or later, Andy will find a seat, and Wes will be toast.” This urgency comes as local elections loom in May, which are predicted to be a significant challenge for current leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Downing Street is reportedly monitoring MPs and aides suspected of supporting Streeting’s ambitions, specifically targeting Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven. Meanwhile, Burnham’s supporters are already strategizing for a possible leadership bid, confident that Angela Rayner will join him as a running mate.
In behind-closed-doors meetings hosted by Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram, discussions are underway about what a Burnham government could entail, with plans for a “radical Left-wing Cabinet” aimed at delivering “shock treatment” to the nation.
The pressure is mounting for Streeting, who has long coveted the top position. An MP remarked, “There will only be three years of Parliament left, so it will be important to shake things up quickly.” If Burnham secures a parliamentary seat, he may encourage fellow MP Clive Lewis to act as a “stalking horse” to trigger a leadership contest.
With a candidate requiring the support of 81 Labour MPs to run for leader, the stakes are high. If Burnham manages to enter Parliament, the dynamics could shift dramatically, forcing Streeting and his potential running mate, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, to respond swiftly.
Sources close to MacAlister have denied any involvement in Streeting’s campaign, asserting that he is focused on his role as Children and Families Minister. Streeting’s spokesperson emphasized his commitment to navigating the NHS through the current winter crisis. Conversely, Burnham’s team dismissed claims of internal plotting as “fiction.”
As the political landscape shifts, the spotlight remains firmly on Labour’s internal dynamics. The coming weeks promise to be crucial as party members watch closely for signs of who will make the first move in this high-stakes game of political chess.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
