Wes Streeting says he has the numbers to challenge Keir Starmer

Labour leadership hopeful Wes Streeting says he has the required number of MPs to formally challenge Keir Starmer for the party leadership, ahead of what will be a make-or-break week for the Prime Minister.

Speaking to Newsnight, Streeting said he has the required number of MPs to formally trigger a leadership contest and would be prepared to do so as early as next week.

It comes ahead of a crucial by-election in Makerfield on Thursday, which Andy Burnham is aiming to win so that he can return to Parliament and challenge for the leadership.

Asked by BBC Newsnight’s Victoria Derbyshire if he would trigger a contest if Burnham wins, Streeting said: “I think the prime minister should be given some space and time to reflect over the weekend and I think we should see where we are then.

“I would prefer the PM to take a decision on his own terms rather than leave it for me or Andy or anyone else to trigger a contest.

“If not we can’t carry on with this uncertainty and paralysis and there will need to be a contest and I would be prepared to do that.”

Asked how he knew he had the support of 81 MPs to trigger a contest, Streeting replied: “So talking to colleagues, keeping records, keeping a spreadsheet and keeping those conversations going at all times.”

Streeting quit the cabinet last month, accusing the Prime Minister of lacking vision after a difficult set of local election results for the party.

He has insisted that he will contest any leadership race and will not allow there to be a coronation for Burnham.