Streeting: I’m not challenging the PMpublished at 10:44 GMT
As we’ve been reporting, there are fears among Starmer’s team that his job might be under immediate threat.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is seen by some as a potential candidate to displace the PM. His ambition is rousing particular suspicion from some loyal to Starmer.
This morning, the health secretary called the rumours “categorically untrue”.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Streeting says: “I’m not challenging the prime minister, I’m not standing against him, I’m not doing any of the things that some silly briefing has said overnight.”
Asked if he would ever consider making such a move, he replied: “I cannot see circumstances under which I would do that to our prime minister.”
He calls the briefing “extremely unhelpful”, and says the PM should sack the aide responsible for it.
Dismissing the rumours of a coup within Labour as fanciful, Streeting adds: “Whoever’s been briefing this has been watching too much Celebrity Traitors. It’s the most unjustified attack against the faithful since Joe Marler was banished in the final.”
Media caption,
‘I’m a faithful’: Wes Streeting denies speculation over leadership bid
