What to know about contenders who could replace Keir Starmer as Britain's Labour leader

Keir Starmer’s leadership of Britain’s Labour Party is under intense scrutiny following a crushing defeat in last week’s local elections, which further eroded public confidence. Over 90 Labour MPs have demanded Starmer step down, and multiple junior ministers have resigned, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who did not immediately launch a leadership challenge despite expectations. The party’s struggles are compounded by backlash over Starmer’s appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, given Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Wes Streeting, 43, is seen as a leading contender due to his strong communication skills and personal connection to the National Health Service (NHS), which saved his life after he battled kidney cancer. Elected in 2015, Streeting has long been rumored to harbor ambitions for the top job, though he has denied plotting against Starmer. His background includes rising from London’s working-class East End, leading student unions, and advocating for LGBT rights while reconciling his sexuality with his Anglican faith. Angela Rayner, 46, the former Deputy Prime Minister, also emerges as a serious challenger, backed by strong party support despite her resignation last year over a tax dispute involving a house purchase. Rayner, raised in social housing and a teen mother, has been a vocal left-wing figure within Labour. She led a parliamentary revolt to push for greater transparency on Epstein-related documents tied to Mandelson, further aligning her with party dissenters. Andy Burnham, the popular center-left mayor of Greater Manchester, is another potential successor, though he must first return to Parliament as a sitting MP by convention. Burnham’s path cleared Thursday after Josh Simons, the MP for Makerfield, announced his resignation, allowing Burnham to contest the seat. Labour’s executive committee will now decide whether to permit Burnham to stand in a delayed leadership contest, which could give him time to secure a parliamentary seat. Starmer has so far refused to step down, and no formal leadership challenge has been launched. However, the mounting pressure from within the party and the public suggests a contest is inevitable, with Streeting, Rayner, and Burnham positioned as the front-runners to replace him as prime minister.