Four government ministers resigned on Tuesday, citing they no longer have confidence in Starmer’s leadership.
Minister for Devolution, Faith, and Communities Miatta Fahnbulleh, in her own announcement, urged the Prime Minister “to do the right thing for the country and the [Labour] Party and set a timetable for an orderly transition.”
But Starmer maintained to his cabinet members Tuesday morning that he will not resign.
Yet his promise of a reset has done little to quell concerns, as at least 80 Labour MPs [Members of Parliament] have now called for Starmer to step down or establish a timeline for his resignation.
If someone were to trigger a leadership challenge, a candidate (who needs to be a current Member of Parliament) must receive support to run from at least 20% of sitting Labour MPs, which currently translates to 81 lawmakers, according to the Institute for Government.
Although Labour lawmaker and former minister Catherine West threatened to raise a leadership challenge over the weekend, she has since retreated from that plan of action.
A similar scenario occurred in 2022, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson, then-leader of the Conservative Party, stepped down after more than 50 members of his government resigned in protest against a series of ethics scandals.
Here’s a look at the lead contenders that could potentially take over the Labour Party.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham arriving at a soccer charity match in Manchester, England, on May 8, 2026. —Ryan Jenkinson—Getty ImagesBurnham is currently the most popular Labour politician among the British public, according to YouGov ratings. 35% of those surveyed said they have a positive opinion of Burnham, compared to Starmer who has a popularity rating of 19%.
Burnham attempted to become a Member of Parliament earlier this year, but was blocked from standing in a by-election by Labour's decision-making body, the National Executive Committee (NEC)—a move some lawmakers have since labeled a “mistake.”
“He would have to stand down as the Mayor of Greater Manchester. That would trigger a second by-election, which Reform UK would almost certainly win," he says.
Lawmaker Connor Naismith called on Starmer to step down following poor local election results last week, adding that any transition in Downing Street “must include giving Andy Burnham the opportunity to re-enter parliament if an opportunity arises.”
“If Andy still wants to return, and an opportunity arises he should be allowed to stand… I’m a firm believer in the team that I support winning, you want your best players on the pitch,” he said.
If Burnham does return to parliament, it will be his second stint in Westminster.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting in London, England, on May 12, 2026. —Thomas Krych—Getty Images
Wes Streeting
Currently serving as the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting has reportedly expressed his interest in the leadership spot, should the Prime Minister step down.
According to Travers, Streeting “has a knack, that Keir Starmer clearly doesn't have," which is "to make his performance as Health Secretary visible and comprehensible."
“He's clearly quite tough in dealing with a massive underperforming public service,” says Travers, adding that Streeting is "going to be seen as a representative of the moderate-center of the Labour Party, or some would say, the center-right of the current Labour Party."
Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner at the National Growth Debate at the Institute of Directors in London on Apr. 21, 2026. —Thomas Krych—Getty Images“She's quite popular with her party, with back benchers, and party members,” says Travers. “She’s seen as authentic, and much more relatable to most people in Britain than many politicians.”
However, Rayner’s recent history in the Labour Party could prove to be a stumbling block, experts note.
“I deeply regret my decision to not seek additional specialist tax advice given both my position as housing secretary and my complex family arrangements,” said Rayner in her resignation letter to Starmer. “I take full responsibility for this error.”
“If it just turns out it was a mistake, and it's all sorted, it will cease to be an issue,” says Travers. “It just hangs over her now.”
“We must show we understand the scale of change the moment calls for—that means bringing our best players into Parliament,” she said on Monday.
Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband arrives in Downing Street on May 12, 2026. —Wiktor Szymanowicz—Getty ImagesEd Miliband
He is currently a member of Starmer’s cabinet, serving as Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Instead, the former Labour leader could be seen as more of a placeholder candidate, should Burnham fail to become an MP ahead of a potential leadership contest.
“He might be thought of as somebody who could get Labour through to the next election and then step down, allowing Burnham to become leader,” says Travers.
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