𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Rebel Labour MPs are believed to be lining up John Healey as a potential option to replace Sir Keir Starmer. The Defence Secretary is reportedly seen as a “unity candidate” who could gain support from both the right and left of the parliamentary party.

However, it appears Labour rebels are continuing to look at potential replacements for Sir Keir with Mr Healey seen as a leading candidate.

One Labour source told The Telegraph that Mr Healey is “politically astute” and “isn’t divisive”.

While he appears to be gathering support, it is thought Health Secretary Wes Streeting is losing backing.

*** Ensure our latest news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. ***

The Telegraph also reports that some on the moderate wing of the Labour parliamentary party think he has become too “toxic”, particularly after he decided to publish his WhatsApp messages with Lord Mandelson.

One message saw Mr Streeting claim Labour had “no growth strategy” — a comment which a Labour source said “leaves a bad taste in the mouth”.

It’s suggested the prospect of Angela Rayner being another leadership contender is also fading.

Allies of the former deputy prime minister reportedly believe it is unlikely she will be able to run while she awaits the findings of an HMRC review into her failure to pay the correct stamp duty on the purchase of a flat in Hove.

The MP for Ashton-under-Lyme has significant support within the party and has long been seen as a strong candidate to replace Sir Keir.

Labour MPs have been left fearing for their seats due to bleak opinion poll ratings over the PM.

Some polls have suggested Sir Keir is the most unpopular prime minister on record.