Wes Streeting’s allies have been urging loyalist MPs not to sign a letter supporting the Prime Minister, The i Paper has been told – as the Health Secretary stands on the brink of resigning.
More than 100 backbenchers and ministerial aides have signed a statement, saying this is “no time for a leadership contest”.
But some MPs claimed that the Health Secretary’s backers have been calling around trying to stop the number of Sir Keir Starmer’s supporters from growing. One told The i Paper that Streeting’s allies had been “begging them not to sign the loyalist letter.”
Shorts – Quick stories
HEALTH
How children’s taste for vegetables ‘begins before birth’
Increasing numbers of parents are bringing up their children as vegetarian or vegan, the new guidance suggests
Young children react more favourably to the smell of vegetables if they were regularly exposed to them while developing in the womb, researchers have found.
A study at Durham University found evidence that three-year-olds develop a memory of the flavour and odour of foods they were exposed to in late pregnancy.
Everything you need to know
(Photo: Getty).
Remembering tastes
The reactions of toddlers to the smell of carrots or kale was examined to see whether taste can be established in utero.
Powder capsules
Children were tested for their response to the smell of the vegetables after their mothers took capsules of carrot or kale while pregnant.
Midsection of pregnant Black woman holding belly – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Changing the way vegetables and salad were labelled increased sales, the researchers found. (Photo: Getty)
Flavour memory
Researchers found children reacted less negatively if their mothers were exposed to the vegetables while pregnant.
Mothers advised to eat varied diet
The scientists found an enduring favourable response in toddlers to the vegetable flavours they were exposed to in the later weeks of pregnancy.
The study recorded the facial expressions of 12 children when they were given wet cotton swabs dipped in the carrot or kale powder their mothers had taken.
PROPERTY AND MORTGAGES
4 min read
LIFESTYLE
4 min read
What the researchers said
High angle shot of Asian pregnant woman holding an ultrasound scan photo in front of her baby bump, sitting on bed at home. Mother-to-be. Precious moment in life. Preparation for a new family member. Expecting a new life. Baby and new life concept – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
The researchers said the study suggested mothers-to-be should eat a varied diet rich in vegetables and fruits of different colours, with the added possibility it could influence the eating habits of their unborn child.
Analysis
3 min read
HEALTH
Why weight-loss pill after jabs may help keep pounds off
People using anti-obesity jabs can maintain weight loss by moving to a daily pill at the end of their treatment, a study suggests.
Researchers found that using orforglipron – an anti-obesity pill developed by US pharmaceuticals giant Eli Lilly – could be an “effective approach” for avoiding regaining pounds after injections have stopped.
What you need to know
While anti-obesity jabs are effective at promoting weight loss, patients have been found to regain the pounds after treatment stops.
Researchers in the US found that switching to orforglipron allowed patients using jabs to retain about 75 to 80 per cent of their weight loss.
Orforglipron is also a GLP-1 agonist, the same type of compound used in anti-obesity injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy.
OPINION
3 min read
Weight-loss pill ‘cheaper’ than jabs
The US findings add to evidence that anti-obesity pills hold promise as a new method of promoting or maintaining weight loss, not least because they are significantly cheaper to manufacture than injections and easier to use.
Orforglipron, which is Eli Lilly’s hope for its next blockbuster drug, is taken as a once-a-day pill and was tested with 376 patients who had previously used jabs. The pill has been licensed in America but is still awaiting approval in the UK.
politics
Which members of Government have gone so far?
Against the backdrop of calls to quit, Starmer took refuge in the Labour Party rule book (Photo: Richard Pohle/AFP)
Sir Keir Starmer has briefly met with presumed leadership rival Wes Streeting in No 10 as the Prime Minister continues to resist calls from within Labour for him to stand down.
The crisis at the top of Government has so far seen the resignations of 10 MPs from their frontline roles, including four junior ministers. Among the most prominent has been the departure of Home Office minister Jess Phillips.
What you need to know
Six parliamentary private secretaries (PPS) – the eyes and ears of a minister in the House of Commons – have stepped down.
They include Joe Morris, PPS to Streeting, and Melanie Ward, PPS to Justice Secretary David Lammy, a key ally of Starmer.
The three ministers who have quit alongside Jess Phillips are Miatta Fahnbulleh, Alex Davies-Jones and Zubir Ahmed.
In her resignation letter, Phillips criticised Starmer for his record on online protections.
OPINION
4 min read
Crisis in Downing Street
While the Prime Minister has suffered the loss of 10 members of his Government, to date the departures have been restricted to its junior ranks. Starmer is widely seen as having laid down the gauntlet to his Cabinet colleagues to either formally challenge him, or allow him to stay in office.
Caption: Health Secretary Wes Streeting arriving at number 10 Downing Street, London, for his meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Picture date: Wednesday May 13, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: James Manning/PA Wire Photographer: James Manning Provider: James Manning/PA Wire Source: PA Copyright: PA Wire Sources have said Government whips were picking up a mood described as ‘dire’ among backbenchers (Photo: James Manning/PA)
Some 11 Labour-supporting unions are expected to state publicly that Starmer will not lead the party into the next election. Ministers are being watched minute-by-minute for signs of a formal split.
The unusually high temperatures for early June come after the UK recorded an annual average temperature of more than 10°C for the first time this year (Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty)
NEWS
Bodies of three women pulled from sea at Brighton beach
The bodies of three women were recovered from the sea in Brighton early today, Sussex Police said.
Here is everything we know about this incident so far.
What do we know so far?
Caption: People on the beach at New Brighton. Picture date: Monday September 4, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story WEATHER Hot. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire Photographer: Peter Byrne Provider: PA Source: PA Copyright: PA
Emergency services were called at around 5.45am on Wednesday, to reports of a “person” in the water.
The bodies of three women were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive.
Explained
4 min read
The latest
Police are conducting enquiries to confirm the identities of the women.
Chief Superintendent, Adam Hays, said police are “working hard” to understand exactly what happened.
The coastguard is not searching for anyone else.
The beach will remain closed for the rest of the afternoon.
PENSIONS AND RETIREMENT
4 min read
This is a tragic incident and fast-moving enquiries are ongoing to confirm the identities of these three women and understand exactly what has happened. I know this is concerning for the community, but I would ask the public to stay away from the scene at this time while emergency services continue their work.
Chief Superintendent, Adam Hays
Male and female Asian metropolitan police officers patrol the crowds of tourists outside the Hoses of Parliament in Westminster, London, UK – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Why do the British insist on exporting their culture when they travel? (Photo: Ceri Breeze/Getty)
FOOD AND DRINK
Greggs to open international shop at Tenerife South airport
The British chain will bring its beloved range of baked goods to the Canary Islands.
Greggs last operated shops abroad in Belgium in 2008, but said Tenerife was “the ideal location to test spreading our wings in an overseas setting”.
What you need to know
Greggs will open a branch in Tenerife South airport later this month.
The usual range of sausage rolls, pasties and sweet treats will be on offer.
A ‘Spanish omelette roll’ will also be on the menu.
Around half of Tenerife’s 13 million visitors go to and from the UK each year.
OPINION
2 min read
What Greggs is saying
It’s an exciting milestone for Greggs as we bring a slice of home to the Canaries, and we’re confident our great-value offering will resonate just as well under the Spanish sun as it does on the UK high street.
Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie
Caption: Greggs sausage rolls, UK. (Photo by: Alex Segre/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Photographer: UCG Provider: UCG/Universal Images Group via G Source: Universal Images Group Editorial Copyright: Alex Segre
GO DEEPER ON THIS TOPIC
Greggs has made me ashamed to be British
Caption: Bay of turquoise coloured water in Los Cristianos, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Photographer: BriBar Provider: Getty Images Source: E+ Copyright: BW PHOTOGRAPHY
Emily Watkins
Freelance writer
Spain – a land of excellent food, rich cultural identity and a beautiful language. Of course, if you’re a British tourist there, odds are you won’t have noticed.
Why do the British insist on exporting their culture when they travel?
Read more here.
How would Andy Burnham become prime minister?
Andy Burnham is one of the frontrunners to replace Sir Keir Starmer if he resigns as Prime Minister. The Manchester Mayor has previously indicated he would be willing to overthrow the current Labour leader.
Caption: File photo dated 13/4/26 of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Party MP and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham meet pupils during a visit to a school breakfast club at Holy Trinity C of E Primary School in Ashton, Greater Manchester. Andy Burnham “should never have been blocked” from seeking a seat in the Commons, Angela Rayner has said today. Issue date: Monday May 11, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Paul Ellis/PA Wire Photographer: Paul Ellis Provider: Paul Ellis/PA Wire Source: PA Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham cannot run for the leadership unless he wins a seat in Parliament (Photo: Ryan Jenkinson/Getty)
First step – find a vacant seat
Caption: File photo dated 13/4/26 of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Party MP and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham meet pupils during a visit to a school breakfast club at Holy Trinity C of E Primary School in Ashton, Greater Manchester. Andy Burnham “should never have been blocked” from seeking a seat in the Commons, Angela Rayner has said today. Issue date: Monday May 11, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Paul Ellis/PA Wire Photographer: Paul Ellis Provider: Paul Ellis/PA Wire Source: PA
A vacant parliamentary seat would need to be available and finding one may not be easy.
There are two by-elections coming up in Scotland, but Burnham is unlikely to stand in these.
Caption: Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham arrives for a meeting in 10 Downing Street, London, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) Photographer: Alastair Grant Provider: AP Source: AP Copyright: Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Caption: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – OCTOBER 31: Labour Party MP Clive Lewis addresses hundreds of activists and campaigners in London’s Parliament Square during ‘Extinction Rebellion’ protest against the inaction of the British government in the face of climate change and ecological collapse. Protesters declared a non-violent rebellion and demanded urgent action on the ecological crisis to avoid the possibility of human extinction in the near future. October 31, 2018 in London, England. (Photo credit should read Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images) Photographer: Wiktor Szymanowicz Provider: Future Publishing via Getty Imag Source: Future Publishing Copyright: ? 2018 Wiktor Szymanowicz
MPs have indicated in the past they would step aside for Burnham, including Clive Lewis, but these suggestions have since been quashed.
Step two – Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee
If a seat were to become vacant, Burnham would need to win over the National Executive Committee (NEC), who is responsible for choosing Labour’s candidates. In January, the NEC blocked Burnham from running in Gorton and Denton. A 10-strong group, including the PM, voted to deny Burnham permission.
Caption: FILE – Britain’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer poses for a photo outside Parliament Buildings, following a meeting with party leaders, during his tour of the UK following Labour’s victory in the 2024 general election, in Stormont, Belfast, Monday July 8, 2024. (Liam McBurney/Pool Photo via AP, File) Photographer: Liam McBurney Provider: AP Source: Pool PA
Exclusive
3 min read
Step three – a leadership ballot
If Burnham were to be elected to Parliament, only then could he make a Labour leadership bid. According to the Labour Party rule book, candidates seeking to enter the ballot must be an MP.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham speaking at a Resolution Foundation event on working-age families, at the Methodist Central Hall in central London (Photo: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)Caption: Angela Rayner And Andy Burnham At The Daily Mirror Party At The Labour Party Conference In Brighton, 2021 28-September-2021 (Photo by Jeremy Selwyn/Evening Standard via Getty Images) Photographer: Jeremy Selwyn Provider: Evening Standard via Getty Image Source: Evening Standard
This is because the Labour leader is the Prime Minister, therefore they would need to be a Member of Parliament. The current rules state a candidate must receive nominations from 20 per cent of their Labour colleagues in Parliament to be in the running.
A summary of necessary steps
What is standing in Burnham’s way?
Vacant seat
NEC permission
Win election, become an MP
Meet nominations threshold
Win leadership competition, become Labour leader and prime minister
Why driving test booking is set to change for learners
Changes begin on 12 May to reduce wait times and prevent bots and touts from exploiting the system.
(Photo: Steve Parsons/PA).
Driving test reforms
What you need to know
Under new laws, it’ll be illegal for driving instructors or anyone else to book tests for pupils.
They will not be able to change, swap or cancel a test for someone else either.
Learners will still need a reference from their instructor.
Only two changes to a booked slot are allowed; previously, it was up to six.
From 9 June, tests can only be moved to three locations nearest to where the original test was booked.
Why are there changes?
A backlog of driving tests built up as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Instructors were being offered kickbacks of up to £250 to sell their login credentials to touts.
Slots were being bought up in bulk and offered via social media for up to £500.
The standard cost is £62 on weekdays and £75 on evenings and weekends.
Caption: File photo dated 13/10/10 of a learner driver L plate. Driving test candidates should be asked if they would like their examiner to be “chatty” or “formal” to boost female pass rates, a report commissioned by a Government agency has suggested. Transport research group TRL, which proposed the measure, said it would avoid examiners creating “potential anxiety”. AA Driving School told the PA news agency that learners do not want to be examined by “a sergeant major nor a comedian”. Issue date: Sunday August 10, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: David Jones/PA Wire Photographer: David Jones Provider: David Jones/PA Wire Source: PA
OPINION
2 min read
Starmer’s allies have been briefing that Streeting has “bottled it” and does not have enough support to challenge the Prime Minister. Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Cabinet Office Minister, also suggested Streeting does not have the required number of MPs to challenge the PM. He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The evidence of the last two days is there isn’t an alternative candidate with those 81 MPs.”
However, this was described by Streeting’s allies as being “wide of the mark”.
The Times revealed earlier that the Ilford North MP has told allies he is preparing to resign to trigger a leadership contest as soon as Thursday.
The i Paper has also been told that he is preparing to launch a leadership bid, with one ally saying: “I think he will resign tomorrow. I don’t think there is any other choice, but he’s not said it to me directly.”
Another source added: “No one has the numbers until the numbers start being collected. Do I think he’ll get the numbers?… absolutely.”
It comes just hours after Streeting met with the Prime Minister in Downing Street. Streeting had been expected to confront Starmer over the turmoil engulfing the Labour Party after the PM said he was not going anywhere and that the process for triggering a contest had not happened. Streeting left the meeting after just 16 minutes looking crestfallen.
Allies of Streeting who claim to have spoken to him directly told The Times that the Health Secretary was “going to go for it.” Another source told the newspaper: “If they [Starmer’s supporters] think this is over, they’re going to be disappointed. I’m expecting a move before the end of the week.” They said that he is likely to resign on Thursday and mount a formal challenge for the leadership. It has also been reported that discussions have also been held to prepare for MPs to sign Streeting’s nomination papers, according to those familiar with the plans.
When asked whether the reports were accurate, Streeting’s spokesman said: “Wes is the Health Secretary, he is proud of his record of falling waiting lists and a recovering NHS. He is not planning to say anything following his meeting with the Prime Minister that might distract from the King’s Speech.”
The 43 year-old has made no secret of his desire become prime minister one day, although he had previously denied he would challenge Starmer directly. He has been reluctant to be the first one to move against the PM – although many of his allies, including is ministerial aide, have called for Starmer to go.
During one fevered bout of leadership speculation last autumn, Streeting was forced to deny suggestions that he was planning to move against him the wake of November’s Budget. The briefings, he insisted, were the “worst attack on a faithful” since rugby player Joe Marler had been banished in the finale of hit TV show Celebrity Traitors.
Formerly regarded as close to Lord Mandelson, Streeting has distanced himself from the former Labour minister since his sacking as US ambassador over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, saying earlier this year he would never speak to him again.
In what was seen as an attempt to minimise doubts among potential supporters, he took the unusual move of releasing the private messages he had exchanged with the peer, insisting they had never been close friends.
Streeting’s main rival is likely to be Angela Rayner, the former Deputy Prime Minister, who has previously told supporters she will stand against him if he triggers a contest. There have also been reports that Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, is canvassing support to run as the soft-left candidate.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is also hoping to return to Westminster to enter any potential leadership race. His allies are billing to tomorrow as “resignation day” when an MP will step aside to make way for him to stand as an MP. However, his route back to Westminster is not straight forward and would still require him to get the backing of Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) and win a by-election.
