Starmer Warns 81-MP Leadership Challenge Would Plunge Labour Into Chaos

11 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 13

Four ministerial resignations and calls from more than 80 Labour MPs for him to quit pushed Keir Starmer to tell ministers and MPs that a leadership contest would "100%" plunge the government into chaos.
Wes Streeting, widely seen as the main threat, met Starmer for less than 20 minutes on Wednesday and would need backing from 81 MPs to trigger a Labour leadership contest.
Starmer paired that warning with a King's Speech he cast as "radical reform," including plans to abolish NHS England, introduce digital ID, end leasehold and fast-track green energy projects.
The pitch has not quelled unrest: Labour MP Jonathan Brash said Starmer could not offer voters "hope," while cabinet ministers worked Parliament's tearooms warning a contest would paralyse government for months.
Speculation also swirled around Andy Burnham, though the Greater Manchester mayor is not an MP, underscoring how Starmer's authority remains under pressure even as he opens a new parliamentary session.

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