An extraordinary meeting of Victorian Labor Party factional conveners has resolved to challenge Jacinta Allan's leadership, marking a critical moment in her three-year tenure as premier. The meeting, attended by representatives from both Left and Right factions, concluded that Allan no longer has the necessary caucus support to lead the government into the November 28 state election. While no formal challenger has been declared, Deputy Premier Ben Carroll has indicated he would consider a leadership bid if the position became vacant. However, a contested leadership ballot four months before an election could paralyse the government. Under party rules, a new leader would be chosen by a caucus vote and member ballot, with the deputy leader temporarily assuming responsibility. Internal tensions persist, with some MPs arguing the meeting did not adequately consult parliamentarians. Polls suggest Allan would likely lose a leadership vote, but her supporters claim she has the caucus backing to resist a no-confidence motion. Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny dismissed the speculation as 'idle gossip,' while leaked policies hint at efforts to address internal dissent and improve public perception ahead of the election.

Labour leader bows to mounting pressure after Andy Burnham’s success against Reform UK in Makerfield

After Andy Burnham’s by-election victory, support for the prime minister is evaporating, writes Laura Kuenssberg.

Burnham won the contest in Makerfield in northwest England with 54.8 per cent of the vote

Sir Keir Starmer has called on Labour ministers and MPs to avoid a leadership contest, warning it could 'plunge the party into chaos'. Facing internal pressure after four ministerial resignations and calls from over 80 MPs to step down, Starmer attempted to win support with a proposed programme of 'radical' reforms targeting health, housing, immigration, and public services. The proposals, outlined in the King's Speech, include plans to abolish NHS England, introduce digital IDs, limit jury trials, end the leasehold system in England and Wales, nationalise British Steel, accelerate green energy projects, strengthen EU trade ties, and improve northern rail services. Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting is reportedly considering a leadership challenge, requiring backing from 81 MPs under Labour rules. Starmer held meetings with ministers and MPs to stress the importance of unity and the risks of leadership upheaval, while cabinet ministers attempted to persuade colleagues that a leadership contest would severely hamper government effectiveness. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the government’s record and Starmer’s leadership, directly referencing Streeting's ambitions. Other Labour figures, including Andy Burnham, are also seen as potential contenders, though logistical and party obstacles complicate their immediate prospects. Starmer’s efforts to present himself as an 'urgent, activist' leader face scepticism from within his party, with MPs calling for bolder policy measures to address national challenges.

Alt: Frustrated Keir Starmer: What a Mess

Sir Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure to resign as Labour leader following the party's worst local and devolved election results on record. Despite Starmer's vow in a Monday speech to confront upcoming challenges and not step down, 84 Labour MPs have publicly called for his resignation, either immediately or on a set timetable, prompting concerns within Downing Street. There is no formal mechanism for a Labour leader to be removed via a confidence vote; instead, a challenger requires nominations from 81 MPs, representing 20 per cent of the Parliamentary Labour Party, all backing the same candidate. Several ministerial aides, including Joe Morris, Tom Rutland, and Naushabah Khan, have resigned amid the turmoil, highlighting internal dissent. Prominent figures such as former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, health secretary Wes Streeting, and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham are viewed as potential contenders, though no formal challenge has yet been made. Criticism from MPs, including Jonathan Hinder, centres on Starmer being perceived as lacking electoral appeal. Labour’s strong 2024 general election performance, with 411 seats and a 174-seat majority, technically complicates any leadership challenge, yet public calls from a significant portion of MPs have intensified scrutiny on the prime minister’s position and strategy.

Sir Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure to resign as Labour leader following the party's worst local and devolved election results on record. Despite Starmer's vow in a Monday speech to confront upcoming challenges and not step down, 84 Labour MPs have publicly called for his resignation, either immediately or on a set timetable, prompting concerns within Downing Street. There is no formal mechanism for a Labour leader to be removed via a confidence vote; instead, a challenger requires nominations from 81 MPs, representing 20 per cent of the Parliamentary Labour Party, all backing the same candidate. Several ministerial aides, including Joe Morris, Tom Rutland, and Naushabah Khan, have resigned amid the turmoil, highlighting internal dissent. Prominent figures such as former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, health secretary Wes Streeting, and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham are viewed as potential contenders, though no formal challenge has yet been made. Criticism from MPs, including Jonathan Hinder, centres on Starmer being perceived as lacking electoral appeal. Labour’s strong 2024 general election performance, with 411 seats and a 174-seat majority, technically complicates any leadership challenge, yet public calls from a significant portion of MPs have intensified scrutiny on the prime minister’s position and strategy.

In this editorial, The Independent argues that the Labour Party risks damaging its credibility and electoral prospects by continuing internal attacks on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. It draws parallels with the Conservative Party's previous leadership turmoil under Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, warning that similar 'incremental regicide' could keep Labour out of power for years. Despite significant discontent, with more than 81 MPs reportedly calling for Starmer to step down, there is no clear consensus on a successor. Potential candidates mentioned include Wes Streeting, Andy Burnham, and Angela Rayner, but none have unified support, and some lack the necessary parliamentary position. The editorial highlights Starmer's recent tactic of asserting his position during a cabinet meeting, which bought him some breathing space, alongside backing from over 100 backbenchers. It criticises the public displays of division, which have made the party appear unfit to govern and have already contributed to rising borrowing costs. The piece stresses that replacing Starmer via party members could lead to a shift away from the 2024 manifesto, potentially alarming markets and the public. Ultimately, it advises Labour MPs to focus on governing and supporting their leader rather than engaging in further psychodramas, to prevent long-term electoral damage.

More than 70 of Labour’s 403 MPs are reported to have asked Starmer to step down, despite his pledge to make the party “bolder and better” after the election setback.