Starmer leadership latest: Rayner cleared over tax affairs as Streeting challenge expected in hours – UK Times

Angela Rayner has said in interviews with the Guardian and ITV that she has been cleared of any tax misconduct by HMRC, paving the way for a potential leadership bid if Sir Keir Starmer were to resign.

The former deputy prime minister told ITV she will not make a pact with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to challenge Sir Keir.

“I’m not doing deals or anything like that,” she said.

Sir Keir Starmer said he will navigate closer relations with the European Union “carefully”.

Responding to an intervention from TUV MP Jim Allister (North Antrim), the prime minister said: “I’m very well aware of the tensions in Northern Ireland, the issues that have to be dealt with in relation to relations with the EU.

“We have to face the fact that promises were made about Brexit, which were not true, which haven’t borne fruit.

“It is in our economic interests, our national interest, and defence interests, to be closer to Europe. Of course, we will navigate carefully, taking on board the issues in Northern Ireland, as he would expect, but it is in our interest to be closer to the EU.”

Sir Keir was also pressed by Conservative MP Lincoln Jopp (Spelthorne) on when the defence investment plan will be published, to which he said it “is being finalised and will be published soon”.

It is clear now that Wes Streeting is planning to resign to trigger a leadership election against Sir Keir Starmer.

Allies of Mr Streeting have confirmed with The Independent that this is the health secretary’s intention – although he is yet to make the plunge.

We still do not know the details of the 16-minute showdown that Mr Streeting had with the prime minister on Wednesday morning in Number 10. But it is clear from those close to Mr Streeting what path he now plans to take.

Read more here by political editor David Maddox:

Moderate Labour MPs are warning Wes Streeting not to start a leadership contest because he will lose to a left-wing candidate.

Speaking to The Times, Luke Akehurst, MP for North Durham said: “Wes is a huge talent” but “I would urge him not to throw the party into further chaos by resigning”.

“The risk of initiating this process is the outcome isn’t Wes Streeting becoming PM,” he said.

Phil Brickell, MP for Bolton West, added: “Wes can’t win the membership”

Two MPs have ended the speculation around whether they will be standing down to allow Andy Burnham to attempt to return to Parliament.

MP Jeff Smith was asked if he was about to make way for the Greater Manchester Mayor, but the anchester Withington MP said he was not.

It comes after MP Afzal Khan also denied speculation he was preparing to quit Parliament to create a vacancy for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster.

Asked whether he was planning to stand down for Mr Burnham, the Manchester Rusholme MP he said: “I am not.”

The Mirror reported he said: “At the last General Election, the people of Manchester Rusholme put their trust in me to represent them to Parliament, and that is the job I am focused on doing.”

Mr Burnham is being touted as a leading contender to replace Sir Keir Starmer if he resigns as Prime Minister.

He has previously indicated he would be willing to overthrow the current Labour leader.

But as the current mayor of Manchester without a seat in Parliament, Mr Burnham faces a potentially arduous route to the top.

Keir Starmer has been called the “most unpopular” prime minister ever in Britain, by deputy leader of Reform UK Richard Tice.

The MP for Boston and Skegness said in the commons that he doesn’t think the current programme of government will reduce the cost of living or boost jobs.

Jonathan Brash has become the first Labour MP to call for Sir Keir Starmer to step down as Prime Minister on the floor of the House of Commons.

The Hartlepool MP said: “The message last week was unmistakable. People want a government that acts with urgency, courage and purpose against the crushing pressures of everyday life.

“And if they do not get it, they will once again roll the dice, and even if it is on a charlatan, because desperation drives risk, and people are desperate for hope.

“And for however difficult it may be for many on these benches to admit, it is now clear to me that this Prime Minister can no longer provide that hope.

“I do not say it with pleasure, but leadership is not only about knowing when to fight on, it is also about knowing when your authority has ebbed, when trust has frayed, and when it is time to leave the stage.”

Mr Brash was the first MP to call for Sir Keir resign, after his wife lost her seat in the local elections.

He also used his speech to call for “bolder” policies, including abolishing council tax and replacing it with a more progressive system, nationalising water companies and Royal Mail, “standing up for” the Waspi women, and, if necessary, “declaring a state of emergency on our borders and turning boats back”.

King Charles III today delivered his third King’s Speech as monarch, marking the 2026 state opening of parliament.

The speech marks the beginning of a new parliamentary session, and is both historically symbolic and an important moment where the government’s legislative plans for the year ahead are set out.

Here, The Independent gives an overview of some of the key policies announced. Read more here: