GMB halted for major Starmer showdown update as PM 'weakened'
It must be super tense inside No.10 at the moment.
Good Morning Britain was interrupted by a major political update on Sir Keir Starmer as mounting pressure grows on the Prime Minister ahead of crunch talks with Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting. During Wednesday's (13 May) programme, political correspondent Louisa James delivered the latest developments as Labour infighting continued to dominate Westminster following calls for Starmer to resign.
The Prime Minister is set to hold talks with Streeting, who is widely viewed as a potential leadership rival, after refusing to step down despite increasing criticism from within his own party. Host Ed Balls asked whether reports suggesting Number 10 had "defeated" Streeting meant Starmer was now safe. Louisa replied: "Keir Starmer is weakened, but he is digging in."
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She added the Prime Minister was effectively daring his opponents to move against him, saying: "He is basically saying to his challengers, and that means Wes Streeting in particular, ‘Well, come on then. Have a go. It is your move.’"
However, she explained that Labour tensions may temporarily cool due to the King’s Speech taking place later today, with senior figures unwilling to overshadow the constitutional event.
Streeting’s allies reportedly indicated he would avoid making public interventions after meeting Starmer because he did not want to become "a distraction for the King".
Despite that, briefing from both camps has intensified behind the scenes, with Streeting allies suggesting the Health Secretary wants answers on how Starmer plans to recover politically.
Louisa said the "implication" was that if Streeting is not convinced by the Prime Minister’s response, he could still consider resigning and launching a leadership challenge.
Meanwhile, Starmer’s supporters are said to believe Streeting lacks the numbers required to formally challenge him.
According to the latest tally discussed on the programme, 92 Labour MPs have publicly called for Starmer to resign, although they are not united behind one successor, which is crucial.
At the same time, 110 MPs have publicly backed the Prime Minister.
The crisis deepened yesterday after four ministers resigned from government, including Jess Phillips, who reportedly accused Starmer of lacking the "fight and drive" needed to deliver meaningful change.
Louisa also pointed to speculation surrounding Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham after he was spotted arriving in London amid growing leadership rumours.
She noted that while Burnham remains outside Parliament for now, prolonged instability could work in his favour politically.
Summing up the mood in Westminster, Louisa told viewers: “No matter what Keir Starmer says about how it is business as usual, none of this is normal."
