Keir Starmer has so far refused to step down despite growing pressure from MPs and public calls from dozens of lawmakers for him to leave. Instead, the 63-year-old Labour leader and UK Prime Minister has effectively challenged his critics to formally trigger a leadership contest against him.

Under party rules, support from at least one-fifth of Labour’s parliamentary party—81 MPs—is required to trigger a leadership challenge. Although nearly 100 MPs have publicly called for Starmer to resign, no official rival has yet secured the necessary backing.

According to CNN, three names are currently at the center of discussions as the most likely successors in the event of an internal party crisis.

Wes Streeting and the “Blairite” wing

Health Secretary Wes Streeting is seen as the preferred candidate for those seeking an immediate change in leadership. The 43-year-old, currently overseeing reforms of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), belongs to Labour’s moderate, centre-right wing.

His political career began as president of the National Union of Students, later serving as a local councillor and MP in East London, near the social housing estate where he grew up.

Streeting has frequently expressed admiration for Tony Blair’s era in government, adopting elements of “Blairism” such as public–private partnerships and technological reform of the NHS. He has warned that the health system must be “reformed or die.”

However, his close association with veteran Labour figure Peter Mandelson has carried political costs. Mandelson was removed as Britain’s ambassador to Washington due to links with Jeffrey Epstein, a controversy that continues to resonate within the party.

Andy Burnham and the “Manchester model”

The second major figure is Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who is widely popular among the British public. His supporters favour a smoother transition, not least because he is currently not a Member of Parliament and therefore cannot immediately run for Labour leadership.

Burnham attempted earlier this year to return to Parliament via a nearby constituency, but his candidacy was blocked by Labour’s National Executive Committee. Many within the party interpreted this as an effort to prevent a direct challenge to Starmer.

He promotes the so-called “Manchesterism,” a political model combining pro-business policies with stronger public control of key services and measures to support living standards. He often cites Manchester’s rapid economic growth under his leadership.

Despite his popularity, his Westminster record has been less successful. His previous leadership bids failed, and he drew market concern after suggesting Britain should “move away from reliance on bond markets,” implying a more radical economic stance.

Angela Rayner and Labour’s grassroots base

Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner stands out as a strong figure among Labour’s traditional working-class base and socialist-leaning voters.

The 46-year-old grew up in a poor household on the outskirts of Manchester and became a mother at 16. She has spoken openly about her difficult upbringing, including a mother affected by bipolar disorder and illiteracy. Rayner later worked as a care assistant and became involved in trade unionism, experiences that shaped her political path.

In government under Starmer, she played a key role in policies including minimum wage increases, housing reform, and legislation targeting exploitative zero-hours contracts.

However, her political standing was damaged by a scandal involving reduced tax payments on a second home in southern England. She said the issue resulted from incorrect legal advice.

In a recent letter to Starmer, she stopped short of calling for his resignation but warned that “what we are doing is not working and must change. This may be our last chance.”

Outsiders in the leadership race

Other names occasionally mentioned include Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, seen as an emerging figure on Labour’s right wing with responsibility for tackling irregular migration, and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.

Miliband, a former Labour leader, remains popular among the party base, particularly among voters engaged in environmental and trade union activism.

Despite internal tensions, no unified front against Starmer has yet emerged, allowing him to retain control of the party for now—albeit under increasing political pressure.