Reeves Says Labour Leadership Contest Would Plunge Country Into Chaos

Chancellor Rachel Reeves told the BBC that a Labour leadership contest would plunge the country into chaos as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to resign after last week's heavy election losses. Four government ministers resigned and dozens of Labour MPs urged Starmer to quit or set a timetable for an orderly exit following the party's losses of more than 1,100 English council seats, the end of its 27-year rule in Wales and a distant joint second place with Reform in Scotland.

Starmer told his cabinet he would focus on governing after no formal leadership challenge was triggered. Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from his post in a letter shared on X, saying he had lost confidence in Starmer's leadership and that it would be dishonourable and unprincipled to remain in government.

Downing Street said Starmer maintains full confidence in Streeting despite the resignation and that the prime minister's position on fighting any leadership challenge has not changed.

Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, resolved her stamp duty affairs with HMRC after paying £40,000 in unpaid tax. An email from HMRC to her lawyers confirmed the matter is closed, she faces no penalty and took reasonable care based on expert advice.

Rayner said she welcomed HMRC's conclusion which cleared her of any wrongdoing and that she had paid every penny owed while acting in good faith. Her clearance removes one potential obstacle to a leadership bid after she had stepped down as deputy prime minister over the issue.

Johnson's father Stanley Johnson warned against ruthless assassinations in politics and said the country must come before party amid the Labour turmoil. The former MEP told GB News he saw the damage caused when the Conservative Party ousted his son Boris in 2022 and said he was horrified by the potential damage from any scenario other than Starmer staying in power.