At a glance: Starmer fights to stay on as prime minister

Sir Keir Starmer is currently contending with increasing demands from Labour critics for his resignation as Prime Minister.

Wes Streeting has made headlines as the first cabinet minister to resign, stepping down from his role as health secretary just one day after sources indicated to the BBC that he is poised to initiate a leadership challenge against the Prime Minister shortly, potentially as soon as Thursday.

Earlier this week, four government officials, including health minister and Streeting ally Zubir Ahmed, announced their resignations. These departures have been met with heightened calls from numerous Labour MPs for Sir Keir to vacate his position, following a series of disappointing election outcomes for the party last week.

What's the latest?

• Wes Streeting has resigned as health secretary, citing a "loss of confidence" in Sir Keir's ability to lead and stating that it is "now clear that you will not lead the Labour Party into the next general election."
• Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed concerns in an interview with the BBC, asserting that any Labour leadership contest could "plunge the country into chaos."
• Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced her clearance from HMRC regarding inquiries into her tax affairs.
• On Wednesday, the Prime Minister cautioned his ministers and MPs that a leadership contest within the Labour Party could lead to "chaos."
• Supporters of Streeting anticipate that he may launch a leadership bid as early as today.
• Streeting attended a meeting with Sir Keir at Downing Street on Wednesday morning; however, he departed No 10 after less than 20 minutes.
• Later that same day, the King presented the government's legislative proposals for the months ahead during the King's Speech.
• The speech outlined 37 bills, which included plans for digital ID implementation, the nationalisation of British Steel, and modifications to the NHS and police frameworks.
• In the ensuing Commons debate, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated that Sir Keir has "run out of road."
• At the beginning of the week, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was part of a collective of cabinet ministers urging Sir Keir to establish a timetable for his exit.
• No MP has initiated a formal bid to challenge Sir Keir thus far, as this requires the endorsement of 81 colleagues, constituting 20% of Labour MPs as per party regulations.

What's the mood in the party?

• Almost 90 Labour MPs have publicly called for Sir Keir's immediate resignation or the establishment of a departure timeline.
• Four junior ministers—Jess Phillips, Zubir Ahmed, Alex Davies-Jones, and Miatta Fahnbulleh—have also resigned from the government.
• On Monday alone, six ministerial aides stepped down but have since been replaced.
• More than 150 MPs have expressed support for the Prime Minister or deemed it an inappropriate time for a leadership challenge.
• Alongside Streeting, former Deputy PM Rayner is regarded as a probable contender against Sir Keir among Labour MPs.
• Additionally, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has gained some backing; however, he would first need to assume the role of MP in order to stand for leadership, necessitating a lengthier contest.

How did we get here?

• This dissent among MPs has emerged in response to a significantly disappointing electoral performance for Labour last week, during which the party suffered the loss of nearly 1,500 councillors in local elections across England.
• Additionally, Labour was ousted from power in Wales and recorded its worst ever performance in the Scottish Parliament election.
• These elections were regarded as a crucial assessment of Sir Keir's leadership capabilities, particularly given poor polling numbers and ongoing controversy regarding his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the US ambassador, a move that has prompted some MPs to scrutinise his judgement.