Starmer’s rivals urged to challenge him in growing revolt

In the hours leading up to Sir Keir Starmer’s make-or-break speech on Monday, he was urged to “meet the moment” and spell out how he intends to turn both his party and the country around.

On the evidence of the reaction from MPs, it only served to further fuel demands for a change in leadership with backbenchers now in open revolt over the direction of the Government.

Around 55 Labour MPs have publicly called for Starmer to set out a timescale for stepping down, but it will be those doing so in the aftermath of his speech that will be cause of most concern for No 10.

Shorts – Quick stories

WORLD ANALYSIS

Trump faces his greatest rival this week. He needs a win

Peter Frankopan

Professor of Global History at Oxford University

Only a few months ago, the prospect of a summit between Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping looked likely to be a bruising confrontation.

Last year, after Washington had imposed tariffs on Chinese goods that reached as high as 145 per cent at one stage, rhetoric on both sides hardened sharply.

Rising anxieties

Trump has tried to navigate the rising anxiety about China, which is one of the issues that has united Republicans and Democrats in the US for the best part of 10 years.

He has consistently expressed his admiration for Jinping, even when he was out of office. To his detractors, this was yet another sign that the US President has a soft spot for autocrats and dictators.

OPINION

3 min read

A ‘friendly’ summit

After a meeting between the two leaders in Busan, South Korea, last October, Jinping took a similar line. “China and the United States should be partners and friends,” he said.

This does not mean that the anxieties that both countries have about each other’s motivations, ambitions or capabilities have dissipated. At the moment, however, it suits both sides to make this week’s summit as friendly and constructive as possible.

Iran war pressures

For the US, the opening of Pandora’s box that has followed the attacks on Iran means that, as well as being preoccupied elsewhere, there is a need to replenish heavily depleted weapons stocks.

• That means that a moratorium with China is helpful, as is a loosening of Beijing’s tight controls on the export of rare earths and critical minerals.
• Trump has been messaging his intentions accordingly.
• Last month, he posted on Truth Social about the summit: “President Xi will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks. We are working together smartly, and very well!”

The cost of fighting

Trump cannot afford to pick another fight at a time when the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has put pressure not only on oil supplies but also on fertiliser, helium and the global economy as a whole.

That works well for Jinping, too. The optics of Washington treating China as a peer are good for the latter’s global stature.

OPINION

4 min read

Movement on both sides

That is why the meeting is likely to produce a set of carefully calibrated announcements designed to show that co-operation remains possible.

The United States is expected to push hard for major Chinese purchases of American goods.

China, meanwhile, will seek movement on export controls, semiconductor restrictions and investment barriers.

Analysis

4 min read

Analysis

6 min read

HEALTH

How the four-day week could reduce obesity

Those who work longer hours are more likely to be obese, new research suggests, prompting experts to push for a four-day week in Britain.

Long days mean “time-poor” staff rely on unhealthy convenience food, have fewer opportunities to exercise, and register higher levels of cortisol – the stress hormone, all of which increase fat storage. 

The research

The research, published at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul, examined data from 33 countries working with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, including the UK.

It compared average working hours with obesity rates, and found nations with the highest rates of obesity, including the US and Mexico, had the longest working hours. Other countries, such as the Netherlands, had low obesity and low working hours. 

• Every 1 per cent reduction in working hours was associated with a 0.16 per cent decrease in obesity rates at a population level, the data suggests.
• Switching to a four-day week could result in a 3 per cent fall in obesity rates.
•  If applied to England, where 13.5 million are obese, this would result in over 400,000 fewer obese adults.

A balanced life is a better life

We need to change the food environment and working conditions. When people have a more balanced life, they have a better life. They have less stress, they can focus on more nutritious food and engage in more physical activities

Dr Pradeepa Korale-Gedara of the University of Queensland in Australia, the study’s author

Of the 33 countries in the study, the UK ranked ninth for obesity rates, but 24th in terms of working hours.

The average adult in England is forecast to work 1,505 hours a year in the UK, compared with 1,811 in the US.

Dr Rita Fontinha, of the World of Work Institute at the University of Reading, said: “If you work two jobs or long hours, you simply do not have the energy to cook, and it becomes easier to just buy something packaged or processed.”

More than 200,000 workers have switched to a four-day week since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.

What is the four-day week?

There is a growing movement in the UK towards a four-day week, where employees work one less day per week with no loss of pay.

Advocates argue companies can still maintain the same level of productivity, while also having wider health and societal benefits. Some say it may increase pressure to do the same amount of work in less time.

OPINION

3 min read

ENTERTAINMENT

Why Dua Lipa has sued Samsung for $15m

Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against Samsung for at least $15m (£11m), accusing the South Korean tech giant of using a photo of her to sell its TVs.

Samsung began using an image of Lipa on an image of a TV screen printed on its cardboard packaging for a “significant portion” of its TVs sold in the US last year, according to the legal complaint filed in California on Friday.

No permission or compensation

The British popstar, 30, alleges that Samsung did not financially compensate her or seek permission for using her image, which was taken backstage before a performance at the Austin City Limits festival in 2024.

When Lipa became aware of Samsung’s use of the image June 2025, she says she immediately demanded that the company stop using it. However, the singer claims Samsung was “dismissive and callous” and “repeatedly refused”.

NEWS

3 min read

MUSIC

5 min read

Singer had ‘no say, control, or input’ in campaign

Ms. Lipa’s face was prominently used for a mass marketing campaign for a consumer product without her knowledge, without consideration, and as to which she had no say, control, or input whatsoever. Ms. Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use.

tHE LAWSUIT STATES

Copyright claims

The lawsuit states that Lipa owns the copyright to the photograph that was used, and that it is a violation of the California right of publicity statute, a federal Lanham Act claim, and trademark claims.

The case also alleges that Lipa is “highly selective” in making product endorsements and that Samsung’s conduct “makes a mockery of her hard work in establishing a successful brand”. Samsung has yet to respond.

OPINION

4 min read

Inside the race to replace Keir Starmer

When Angela Rayner finally commented in the wake of Labour’s election humiliation, it was a brutal takedown of Sir Keir Starmer’s record.

“What we are doing isn’t working, and it needs to change. This may be our last chance,” she declared.

OPINION

6 min read

Analysis

4 min read

Rayner sets out demands

The former deputy prime minister called on Starmer to end a “toxic culture of cronyism” and to allow the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to return to Westminster. Then she set out a left-wing shopping list of demands.

Her demands include taxing the wealthy, cutting household costs, ending the freehold system, raising the minimum wage, giving regional mayors more powers over planning and licensing and boosting community ownership.

Damp local elections for Labour

Rayner’s comments follow a damp set of local election results for Labour, as MPs openly debated whether there should be an immediate leadership contest.

MPs who had been previously loyal, in public and in private, were beginning to say on Sunday that they would lend Rayner support for a challenge.

POLITICS

4 min read

Dozens of MPs call for Starmer to step down

• Josh Simons, previously a Starmer loyalist, said the Prime Minister had “lost the country”.
• Labour’s leader in Scotland, Anas Sarwar, blamed a “national wave” against Labour for his party’s defeat in the Holyrood election.
• Labour left-wingers fear that a stalking horse candidate would boost Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s chances of becoming PM, with Burnham barred from standing until he becomes an MP.

Exclusive

7 min read

NEWS

Who won big at the Bafta TV Awards 2026

The winners of this year’s Bafta Television Awards have been announced in London, with Netflix drama Adolescence emerging as the big winner.

The hard-hitting four-part series was named best limited series. Owen Cooper, who played central character Jamie in his acting debut, became the youngest ever winner of the award for best supporting actor aged 16.

A look at key winners

• Leading actor: Stephen Graham – Adolescence (Netflix)
• Leading actress: Narges Rashidi – Prisoner 951 (BBC One)
• Supporting actor: Owen Cooper – Adolescence (Netflix)
• Supporting actress: Christine Tremarco – Adolescence (Netflix)

Interview

6 min read

More small screen winners

• Drama series: Code of Silence (ITV1)
• Limited drama: Adolescence (Netflix)
• Scripted comedy: Amandaland (BBC One)
• Best comedy actor: Steve Coogan – How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge) (BBC One)
• Best comedy actress: Katherine Parkinson – Here We Go (BBC One)

FILM

4 min read

New Bafta record

Among the other winners were The Celebrity Traitors, EastEnders and comedy series Last One Laughing. The Celebrity Traitors and Last One Laughing each picked up two awards, while Adolescence set a record for the most Bafta victories in a single night.

In the International category, Apple TV+’s The Studio featuring Seth Rogan triumphed over fellow nominees Severance, Sky’s The White Lotus and Disney+’s The Bear.

Environment

How climate change could put tea drinkers in hot water

The familiar taste of tea may turn bitter as climate change disrupts harvests and makes it harder to achieve consistent flavours, campaigners have warned. A Christian Aid report also warns that a warming world could cause the price of a cuppa to spike.

“As climate variability increases, achieving that consistency becomes more challenging, Dr Neha Mittal from the Met Office said.

What does the report say?

• Rising temperatures and worsening weather extremes in countries such as Kenya, India and Sri Lanka could make tea more bitter and harsher, researchers say.
• The issue is also hitting close to home, with tea growers in the UK warning that it is making it much harder to achieve consistent flavours .
• Climate-induced disruptions to harvests could cause price spikes and unreliable supplies .
• The rising price of fertiliser and fuel as a result of the US-Iran war is also expected to hit tea producers.

ENVIRONMENT

3 min read

Supporting farmers

Tea production relies on stable temperature and rainfall conditions, which are shifting in producer nations. Optimal growth conditions sit within a narrow range of between 13°C and 30°C and with adequate but not excessive rainfall.

The flavour and quality of tea depends on a balance of compounds such as catechins, amino acids and polyphenols, the report said. However, higher temperatures increase the production of more astringent compounds while reducing sweetness – leading to a more bitter taste.

The expert view

For generations, consumers have taken for granted that a cup of tea will taste the same, day in, day out. But that consistency depends on a stable climate, and that stability is now breaking down. What we are seeing is the beginning of a shift towards a harsher brew

Claire Nasike Akello, climate adaptation and resilience lead at Christian Aid

How to fake your way to being organised

Do you have your life together? Is your home tidy and clutter-free; your diary neatly colour-coded; your to-do list full of satisfying ticks?

If these questions feel like a personal attack don’t worry. We asked the put-together experts for their secrets.

Get to know your brain

The real magic is rarely in the system but in how your brain likes to work.

• If you love analytical tasks, try making spreadsheets.
• Set reminders for the things you usually forget.
• Use the Notes app for the ideas you think of in the shower but never remember when you get to do it.
• But if you are more likely to structure your day around how you’re feeling, a calendar isn’t the best option.

How to fake your way to organisation

Make it easier

If you hate folding, change your storage style. If you’re always forgetting your keys, put a sign by your door.

Make a launch pad

Keep a small tray or basket in the hallway for your can’t-leave-home-without essentials.

Use technology

After meetings use an AI tool to note down what you have to remember as a brain dump.

Create new habits

The one-touch rule

If you put your shoes straight on the rack as you take them off, instead of kicking them onto the floor and moving them later, that’s one touch. If you hang things up rather than tossing them onto the ‘bedroom chair’ it’s another one-touch win.

Talk to yourself out loud

This verbal anchor helps you remember what you have decided to do and cuts down on mental drift.

The 300-second challenge

• Give yourself five minutes to deal with one overdue chore or task.
• Using seconds rather than minutes creates urgency and gives your brain a novelty hit.
• Try it when putting the laundry away, making a phone call or reading an overdue email.

LIFESTYLE

9 min read

Make it easier for yourself

Use completion cues

Drop a marble in a jar or move a sticky note across a board each time you complete a task.

Support your future

Write down where you left off and the next small task to tackle to strengthen your control over every day demands.

Ask for help

Consider seeking support from loved ones, neighbours, colleagues, community groups or professionals.

Eight tips for
combating loneliness

Ree Young, works for Mind mental health charity as a ‘befriender’ – this means working with people aged 50 and over in the city of Leeds – who may be struggling with social isolation or loneliness.

Young advises these people on how to get social, even when you don’t want to. Here are her tips.

How to combat loneliness

Social isolation affects us all

27%

of adults reported they felt lonely always, often or some of the time in data published by the Office for National Statistics in 2024.

7%

reported that they felt lonely always or often.

How to combat loneliness

Stay socially active

Check out what’s going on at your local community centre or learn something new to make connections.

Use technology

Look up old friends online, or use video-call features to connect with those who don’t live nearby.

Get creative

Why not learn how to crochet, write short stories, plant a herb garden or play the ukulele in a group? 

Adopt a pet

They can provide companionship, a listening ear and a structured routine. They can be good listeners and stroking them can make us feel calmer and more at ease. Even the smallest pets, like fish, can bring us joy and a sense of purpose.

REE YOUNG, BEFRIENDER

How to tackle loneliness

Join a death cafe

They are safe and inclusive spaces for people to be curious about death in a supportive environment. 

Try citizen science

It’s a great way to feel part of a community, while also contributing to worthwhile initiatives. 

Explore your faith

Try attending services if spiritual practices are important to you. They can offer strong support networks and open doors to new people.

Seek professional help

If you are unsure what support is available, speak to your GP. Research local charities and find out what services they have to offer, and try accessing local befriending, group or peer-support services.

There is nothing shameful about asking for help.

By no means household names, the likes of Chris Curtis, chair of the centrist Labour Growth Group, Alan Gemmell, a parliamentary private secretary to the Home Secretary, and Catherine McKinnell a former minister, are the types of MPs that would previously had been deemed as loyalists to the Prime Minister.

Cabinet remains silent

For now, the Cabinet is still believed to be backing their leader, but much will depend on whether the sheer weight of MPs calling for change makes that support untenable.

Several key members of Starmer’s top team, such as Ed Miliband, Yvette Cooper and Wes Streeting had kept quiet following the latest reset, in marked contrast to the public messages of support sent by Cabinet in February when Scottish leader Anas Sarwar called for Starmer to go.

One serving minister summed the general mood of much of the party in response to the speech. “The sad truth is that the public have stopped listening. It’s time for an orderly transition to go,” they said.

A senior Labour MP echoed the comments, adding: “The speech doesn’t change anything for me – I wanted actions not words about actions. He fails to understand the urgency, the scale of the task.”

The Labour benches have largely fallen into three main groups: those that remain tentatively supportive of Starmer, those that would prefer to wait until Andy Burnham has returned to Westminster, and those that want a challenge to be made now, be it from Streeting or Angela Rayner.

In a sign of the frustration at the lack of movement from leadership rivals, one senior MP urged the likes of Streeting to make a move, saying it was time for the “big names to rule themselves as running”.

“My respect for those being shy is reducing by the hour,” they added.

The Health Secretary was keeping a low profile on Monday, and he is understood to be reluctant to be the first mover in any leadership race. Rayner, who gave a speech calling for more action on Monday, is also reticent, particularly as she awaits the findings of an HMRC investigation into her tax affairs.

MPs want to wait for Bunham

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who was also keeping quiet following the speech, has yet to find a seat to return to Westminster and is unable to mount a challenge, leaving the party, once again, in limbo.

Several MPs The i Paper spoke to wanted to wait until Burnham had returned to Parliament before any leadership battle was triggered, with one Labour source insisting: “It’s only fair that all the players are on the pitch for when a contest happens.”

The sentiment is partly why Catherine West, the backbencher who threatened to challenge Starmer over the weekend, backed down on Monday and instead asked MPs to sign a letter demanding the Prime Minister set out a timetable to quit.

Sources said government whips were picking up a mood described as “dire” among backbenchers, with “loads” of MPs who have yet to speak out publicly against the Prime Minister sharing the concerns of those that had spoken out.

Government insiders said they were “still pretty nervy” about a potential leadership challenge, and suggested more needed to come from the Prime Minister in terms of policy to stave off any potential coup.

“There’s an element of Gareth Southgate about it and him needing to take the handbrake off,” one source said, in references to the former England manager’s risk averse final tournament.

Starmer to hold talks with unions

Starmer himself will hold talks this Thursday with the 11 trade unions affiliated to Labour in a bid to fight for their ongoing support, in what is likely to be another make or break moment for the Prime Minister’s future.

A group representing 11 unions – who include those normally supportive of the Prime Minister – will meet Starmer for the crucial discussions before general secretaries from all of the 11 will hold their own summit on Friday to discuss next steps, it is understood.

But there were loyalists, who were insistent that Starmer should be given the chance to deliver his plans.

Sam Rushworth, MP for Bishop Aukland, said: “I’m not sure what people expect a speech to achieve. It’s actions over time that change lives.”

Voters, he added, “sent a message” which “should be heeded and acted upon”.

A government source went one further, warning: “If anyone thinks going down the change the leader route is going to fix things they’re mad.

“The markets will cripple us and the public will destroy us.”