British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's hold on power is reportedly under threat following his appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, despite the veteran politician's links to Jeffrey Epstein. The controversy intensified after the release of the Epstein files, which reportedly reveal new, damaging details about Mandelson's association with the late convicted sex offender.
Though there is no formal mechanism to remove a Labour leader through a confidence vote, any challenger would need the backing of 80 lawmakers, or one-fifth of the party in the House of Commons, to trigger a contest, according to AP.
No clear favourite has emerged, but according to reports, these are the possible candidates to replace Starmer:
Angela Rayner
Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has carved a unique path in British politics. She never attended university, was raised in social housing and became a teen mother at 16. Rayner, 45, began her political journey in trade unions before being elected to Parliament in 2015. She rose through Labour's ranks, eventually becoming deputy leader in 2020. Rayner enjoys support within the party, though she resigned from government in 2025 after admitting she did not pay sufficient tax on a house purchase. In the wake of the Epstein files revelations, Rayner led a revolt among lawmakers demanding that Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee, rather than the government, decide which documents should be released to the public.
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Wes Streeting
Health Secretary Wes Streeting had until recently been considered Starmer's likeliest challenger, according to The Economist. In November 2025, anonymous briefings allegedly from Downing Street suggested Streeting was preparing a leadership bid, prompting press reports that Starmer was ready to fight. Streeting denied the claims and blamed the reports on a “toxic culture”. But his prospects were dented this week by his defence of Mandelson.
Andy Burnham
Former Cabinet minister and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has long been regarded as a potential rival to Starmer. AP reported that his chances were weakened after Labour blocked him from standing as the party's candidate in a special parliamentary election scheduled for later this month.
Ed Miliband
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is a former Labour leader who served five years at the helm while the party was in opposition, culminating in Labour's 2015 election defeat. Now, Miliband has publicly downplayed any desire to return to leadership but remains one of the most experienced Cabinet members.
Shabana Mahmood
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is responsible for overseeing immigration and law and order. AP reported that she has become a favourite among many on the right of the Labour Party due to her moves to tighten border controls and crack down on unauthorised immigration.
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