Starmer given a lifeline after Streeting challenge fails to materialise

Keir Starmer was increasingly confident that he had seen off the immediate threat to his job on Tuesday after a challenge from Wes Streeting failed to materialise despite several of the health secretary’s allies quitting the government. Downing Street insiders suggested that the health secretary did not yet have the required support from the 81 MPs he needed to formally launch a leadership bid after Starmer issued a ‘put up or shut up’ ultimatum to his cabinet. Streeting was due to hold talks with Starmer on Wednesday, at which he was expected to talk candidly about his concerns, with No 10 insiders suggesting he was climbing down from intense speculation that he was on the brink of running. “After all that, it’s looking like Wes may not have the numbers after all,” one loyalist cabinet minister told the Guardian. “I’m pleased and furious at the same time. The best thing for him now is to come out with some dignity and end the drama.” Starmer’s allies also believe he has seen off a threat from the Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, for the time being, with one saying: “Andy’s supporters keep saying he’s got a seat. But where is it? It’s not real unless he has one.” The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, needs a parliamentary seat to challenge Keir Starmer. …