Newspaper headlines: 'Wes, prime minister?' and 'My flare lady'

The front pages of several major newspapers are dominated by the growing leadership challenge within the Labour Party, centering on Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s intention to contest Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership. This development follows a tense 16-minute face-to-face meeting at Downing Street on Wednesday, just hours ahead of the King’s Speech. The Metro headlines this unfolding drama with the question: “Wes, prime minister?”, highlighting Streeting’s plans to formally challenge Starmer on Thursday.

The Sun describes the situation in the Labour Party as akin to a “civil war,” indicating that Streeting is ready to “fire the starting gun” on what it calls a “bloody” leadership contest. While the political battle brews, the paper also features Catherine, the Princess of Wales, spotlighting her visit to Italy—the first overseas trip since her cancer treatment. Meanwhile, the Times reports that Streeting is likely to resign from his government post on Thursday morning to officially launch his bid for No 10. This resignation could set off a three-way contest involving Streeting, Starmer, and a soft-left candidate, possibly Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham or Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. A government insider told the Times that such a leadership contest could “essentially shut down” government operations for several months.

Further coverage in the Guardian notes a “frantic scramble” taking place as the Labour left searches for a candidate to oppose Streeting. The paper suggests Miliband and former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner as key contenders, with the caveat that Burnham, though favored by some to replace Starmer, currently lacks a parliamentary seat. Similarly, the Daily Telegraph focuses on Miliband’s potential leadership bid, anticipating that he will “throw his hat in the ring” soon after Streeting’s expected resignation. Sources indicated to the Telegraph that Miliband is the most likely candidate for Labour’s soft-left faction, pointing out that Rayner is still grappling with unresolved tax matters. Both the Times and Telegraph share concerns that a leadership contest could “paralyse” the government and provoke instability in financial markets.

The i Paper adds that despite not holding a Commons seat, Burnham intends to join the race, with a plan involving an MP stepping aside to provide him with a constituency. He has reportedly informed Labour MPs that he is “ready to go,” though he still needs to win the seat. The Financial Times outlines various scenarios following Streeting’s anticipated resignation, including the possibility that Labour’s National Executive Committee may delay the leadership contest to give Burnham time to secure a parliamentary seat. It also highlights reactions from European leaders, who have expressed unease about political uncertainty in the UK ahead of a

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