Westminster was plunged into political drama this week as Health Secretary Wes Streeting found himself defending against allegations of plotting to overthrow Prime Minister Keir Starmer in what appears to be a spectacular own goal by Downing Street aides.
Breakfast Television Denials
The extraordinary situation unfolded on Wednesday morning when Streeting, already scheduled for media appearances to discuss NHS matters, was forced to pivot and address claims he was orchestrating a leadership challenge. The health secretary delivered his most memorable denial on BBC Breakfast with a topical reference to popular reality show The Traitors.
"I'm a faithful," Streeting deadpanned during his appearance. "In fact, what you've seen from a silly No 10 source overnight is probably the worst attack on a faithful since Joe Marler was banished in The Traitors final."
The remarkable spectacle came after a Guardian story published late on Tuesday revealed an extraordinary operation to protect Starmer from suspected coups. The prime minister's closest allies reportedly fear he has become vulnerable to a leadership challenge following the recent budget.
No 10's Backfiring Strategy
Rather than strengthening Starmer's position, the briefings from his political aides appear to have backfired spectacularly. By Wednesday morning, the Times ran a headline mocking Labour's attempt to defend itself from "feral" MPs, while the BBC also prominently featured the story.
Starmer and his allies found themselves on the defensive, warning that any attempt to oust him would be "reckless" and reminding the public that no Labour prime minister has ever been forced out of Downing Street by their own MPs. One ally described such a move at this stage as "the height of irresponsibility."
According to Guardian deputy political editor Jessica Elgot, the situation reflects a deeper problem of individual leadership that has left Starmer struggling to articulate a compelling vision. This has reportedly left some in his party - and potentially the country - feeling cold despite Labour's landslide election victory that many hoped would bring relief.
Growing List of Troubles
The leadership speculation represents just the latest in a series of challenges dogging Starmer's premiership. Other issues include the controversial winter fuel payment decision, the freebies row, the handling of welfare cuts, and the Peter Mandelson scandal.
Elgot suggests that No 10 has developed a sense of "paranoia" about leadership challenges, particularly following Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's own "manoeuvrings" two months ago. Since then, there has been continuing conversation around replacing Starmer, as if it's inevitable he won't lead the party into the next election.
The prime minister now faces pressure over his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, who has been blamed for No 10's aggressive pushback against potential leadership challenges.
Potential Challengers Emerge
While Streeting is seen as the most immediate threat within the party, several other potential leadership contenders are being discussed in Westminster circles. These include Bridget Phillipson, Shabana Mahmood, and even Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
Elgot notes that No 10 has worked itself into "a real anger" over Streeting's positioning in recent months. The health secretary has seemingly been attempting to establish himself as a counterpoint to Starmer, speaking out more forcefully on issues like Gaza and progressive causes such as anti-racism.
"We can see how he will use any opportunity to talk about progressive values, what it means to be an anti-racist politician, to take on Farage," Elgot observes. She adds that Streeting's manoeuvres have seemed so audacious to those in No 10 that they created a sense of urgency in needing to respond to the perceived threat.
What remains unclear is what substantive policy differences Streeting would bring if he were to assume leadership. "A few people said to me this morning: 'We don't know what would be different,'" Elgot reports.
Nevertheless, Streeting shares with political communicators like Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson an ability to "communicate with a degree of authenticity" that many politicians struggle to achieve. "He doesn't need to think and process and say a line over and over. He's just able to instinctively say the thing he thinks," Elgot notes, highlighting a potential challenge for Starmer, whom the public has shown difficulty trusting recently.
The unfolding drama represents a significant test for a Labour government that came to power with substantial public support but now faces internal divisions that threaten to undermine its authority and effectiveness.
