INSIDE WESTMINSTER: Now it's just a matter of which of the plotters breaks cover first
For Labour MPs, this month is a time for watching and waiting to see whether the Prime Minister's leadership rivals will finally break cover and launch a dramatic bid to topple him.
By GLEN OWEN and GABRIEL MILLARD-CLOTHIER
Published: 21:59 GMT, 3 January 2026 | Updated: 18:04 GMT, 4 January 2026
Early January is a time when most huddle from the cold, wince at their credit card bills and devise short-lived exercise plans.
But for Labour MPs, this month is a time for watching and waiting to see whether the Prime Minister's leadership rivals will finally break cover and launch a dramatic bid to topple him.
Most of the MPs think that if Health Secretary Wes Streeting – who has long-coveted the top job – is going to make his move, it has to come soon, before Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has found a way back into the Commons.
'It is now or never for Wes,' says one backbencher. 'Sooner or later, Andy will find a seat and Wes will be toast.' Another MP says: 'A lot of the chat is about whether Wes will go big – or just bottle it.'
Downing Street is keeping a close eye on MPs and aides they suspect of working covertly for Mr Streeting, including Whitehaven MP Josh MacAlister, as well as a former Government aide who left No 10 in the most recent shake-up.
In Team Burnham, the plotting is likely to intensify over the coming weeks, as May's local elections – expected to be a disaster for Sir Keir Starmer – edge over the horizon. Mr Burnham's supporters are confident that Angela Rayner will be his running mate.
The Manchester duo would face Mr Streeting and, they suspect, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood as his running mate. Despite Mr Burnham not yet publicly securing a winnable constituency, his supporters are discussing what a Burnham Government would look like, in secret meetings at the home of Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram.
One supporter said Mr Burnham is planning to install a 'radical Left-wing Cabinet' to give the country 'shock treatment'.
Wes Streeting speaks during an event to launch "NHS Day of Action" on March 28, 2025 in Runcorn, England
Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham is looking for a way to get back into the Commons
The MP said: 'There will only be three years of the Parliament left, so it will be important to shake things up quickly.'
If Mr Burnham secures a seat and wins the by-election, the most likely strategy would be for a public supporter such as Norwich South MP Clive Lewis to stand as a 'stalking horse' to trigger a contest.