As British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure within the Labour Party, several prominent figures are being discussed as potential contenders in a possible leadership race.

If a leadership contest is triggered, the next leader would be chosen by Labour Party members.

Among the leading names is Wes Streeting, who resigned as health minister on Thursday, saying he had “lost confidence” in Starmer.

Streeting called for debate about the party’s future and encouraged a broad field of candidates rather than positioning himself directly for the role.

The 43-year-old politician, known for his strong communication skills, rose to prominence during Labour’s 2024 election campaign and is regarded as popular among the party’s right wing.

He grew up in East London in a working-class family before studying at the University of Cambridge and becoming an MP in 2015.

Another possible contender is Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, who recently hinted at a leadership ambition after resolving a tax issue that previously forced her resignation from government.

Rayner, 46, is widely supported on Labour’s left wing and is known for her outspoken style and working-class background.

She left school at 16 after becoming a single mother and later entered politics through trade union activism before becoming an MP in 2015.

Andy Burnham has also emerged as a possible candidate.

The current Mayor of Greater Manchester recently announced plans to return to Parliament through a by-election, saying the country needed “much bigger change at a national level.”

Burnham, 56, previously served as health minister and twice unsuccessfully contested the Labour leadership before leaving Parliament in 2017 to become mayor.

He has openly criticised some of Starmer’s policies, particularly welfare cuts, and warned about what he described as a “climate of fear” within the party.

Despite growing speculation, Keir Starmer has insisted he will not resign and would automatically be part of any leadership contest.

The prime minister came to power in 2024 after leading Labour to a landslide election victory, but his government has faced criticism over welfare reforms, rising living costs, and Labour’s recent poor performance in local elections.

Other names being discussed include Ed Miliband, the current energy minister and former Labour leader, as well as junior armed forces minister Al Carns, though neither has formally declared interest in running.