Cabinet ministers are having a live conversation about what to do if Keir Starmer stands down.. That’s not to say he will but things are likely to get significantly worse, via The Times

• Cabinet ministers are having a live conversation about what to do if Keir Starmer stands down
• That’s not to say he will - the PM made firm fighting on noises during an address to staff - but it is all highly unpredictable. Things are likely to get significantly worse
• Cabinet would have to pick an acting prime minister to recommend to the King
• The thinking of some is that it would have to be someone who is not expected to have a tilt at the leadership. The most likely candidate being discussed would be David Lammy as DPM
• But essentially all bets would be off at that point
• None of this is to say that Starmer will quit - allies say it isn’t in his nature, he will fight on, etc. But the fact the conversation is happening at all - indeed at Cabinet level - speaks volumes"

The ongoing discussion among cabinet ministers about succession if Keir Starmer were to step down underscores significant political uncertainty in the UK. While Starmer has expressed a commitment to continue leading, the mere existence of such conversations suggests fragile party dynamics, which could lead to volatility in political sentiment and market confidence, especially regarding domestic policies and Brexit implications.