Leading challenger to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer quits government

Rayner stepped down from her roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary in September 2025.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's future remained uncertainon Thursday as key members of his Labour Party prepared to challenge his leadership following calls by dozens of his fellow lawmakers to step down.

The announcement could pave the way for her to stand in any leadership contest as Starmer battles to save his job after disastrous local and regional polls last week.

Wes Streeting was widely expected to launch a leadership bid on Thursday morning, but has so far remained tight-lipped about his moves, with some MPs suggesting the health secretary is holding off because he is struggling to rally 81 MPs after Ms Rayner said she has been cleared of deliberate wrongdoing following an investigation into her tax affairs.