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Starmer's Leadership Tested Amid By-election and Controversies

2/23/2026

37 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Party leader, faces claims he plans to sack Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
The speculation comes ahead of the Gorton and Denton by-election, with MPs calling it a distraction.
Peter Mandelson's controversy led to the resignation of Starmer's chief of staff.
Angela Rayner awaits the outcome of an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation into unpaid stamp duty.

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Story summary

Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Party leader, faces claims he plans to sack Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
The speculation comes ahead of the Gorton and Denton by-election, with MPs calling it a distraction.
Peter Mandelson's controversy led to the resignation of Starmer's chief of staff.
Angela Rayner awaits the outcome of an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation into unpaid stamp duty.