Defence Minister Al Carns is reportedly preparing to enter a Labour leadership contest if a formal challenge to Sir Keir Starmer is launched.
Carns, a former Royal Marines colonel who was elected to Parliament in 2024, is said to be considering a bid should Health Secretary Wes Streeting move ahead with a leadership challenge.
The reports come amid increasing pressure on the Prime Minister following Labour’s recent electoral setbacks and growing unrest within the parliamentary party. Streeting has been widely reported as preparing a challenge, with the party now facing a period of significant internal uncertainty.
Carns’ potential entry would add another dimension to any contest, bringing a defence and national security-focused profile into the debate over Labour’s future direction. His military background is likely to be viewed as a distinguishing factor in a field otherwise expected to include senior figures from across the party’s political spectrum.
No formal leadership contest has yet been confirmed. However, reports of possible bids from senior Labour figures suggest the party is entering a critical period as MPs weigh whether Sir Keir Starmer can continue to lead the Government and restore confidence after recent political setbacks.
Further clarity is expected if Streeting or any other senior figure formally triggers a challenge.
