Chris Mason: Another crucial moment for Starmer, as he pleads to Labour MPs to not topple him6 hrs agoChris MasonPolitical EditorReutersMany Labour members have spent the weekend watching their friends and colleagues who were in local and devolved governments being wiped out. There are fraught feelings and anger. And for the past few days, there has been a drip, drip of revolt with Labour MP after LabourMP coming out publicly and saying Starmer must go. With every one, the prime minister’s power is drained away. It is a big deal to publicly say that you don’t like him. They are well aware of the stakes. Secondly, potential challengers are also anxious, weighing whether or not to take on the government. The timing is crucial: get it right and you could be the next premier. Starmer’s position as leader is under threat. Can Starmer survive? Seven scenarios of what could happen nextWhat happens after today’s speech? How do Labour MPs react? Does the prime minster manage to deter people from challenging him for the moment?Or does a flood of anger make his position untenable, and tempt one of the challengers? Health Secretary Wes Streeting in particular faces a major call in the coming days. He has said that he will not challenge Sir Keir but is willing to make his case in the event that it is clear the prime minister’s position is untenable. So does he take this chance, or not? Some people would like to see Burnham replace Sir Keir, believing this is his best chance before Burnham returns to Westminster.
