Keir Starmer pushes back as Labour leadership tensions surface during May 12 cabinet meeting

A senior government source suggested a scenario in which Starmer defeats Streeting in a leadership contest, with MPs who want the prime minister out supporting him but not replacing him with Streeting, keeping options open.

Burnham has been spotted in London today. The piece notes that if there was an ideal time for him to pursue a by-election, yesterday would have been ideal, with today also considered plausible.

Miatta Fahnbulleh quit as a government minister first thing this morning and publicly backed Burnham in the leadership contest.

Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, did not say anything as he left cabinet.

The ongoing resignations are described as an awkward development for the prime minister, with a comparison drawn to Boris Johnson's ouster through a wave of resignations.

Streeting attempted to see Sir Keir afterwards to discuss his leadership but was rebuffed.

Streeting took part in the scheduled discussion about the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on the British economy, with leadership discussions not dominating the session.

The Labour rule for dislodging a leader requires 81 MPs backing a specific opponent to face off against Starmer. The article notes there are many Labour MPs wanting him out, while others prefer a slower contest via Burnham or Streeting supporters; the prime minister is portrayed as exploiting these divisions.

Health secretary Wes Streeting has been clear that he is ready for a leadership contest should one take place, but he would not be the person to trigger it; as of this morning, that remained his plan.

At the weekly cabinet meeting, Sir Keir Starmer opened by telling a full gathering of 28 cabinet ministers 'come and have a go if you think you're hard enough.'

Burnham's supporters have said for days that he has a path back into Parliament, via an MP willing to vacate their seat to enable a by-election; the article notes this discussion in the lead-up to May 12.