Newspaper headlines: 'Starmer and Streeting set for showdown' and 'Crisis? What crisis?'

Published: May 13, 2026 3:43 AM • Updated: May 13, 2026 4:20 AM • Original source

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This morning's papers all focus on the turbulence engulfing the government.

"Crisis? What crisis?" asks the Sun, which describes Sir Keir Starmer as trying to "shrug off mutiny" in the midst of a "civil war". The headline in the Daily Mail is: "Paralysed by Labour chaos" as it reports that the prime minister is "locked in an extraordinary standoff with his MPs" and has told leadership rivals to "put up or shut up".

His allies tell the Guardian they believe he has seen off an immediate threat to his leadership - with a government source quoted in the Daily Telegraph as saying that Wes Streeting has "bottled it". But, according to the Financial Times, Downing Street is "still eyeing him warily in case he makes a move". One ally of the health secretary tells the Times that he could resign and trigger a leadership contest if Sir Keir's premiership "reaches the point of no return". The paper characterises the pair's forthcoming meeting as a "showdown". The Sun says they will take part in "crunch talks". A supporter of the prime minister, however, tells the Financial Times that Streeting is just "coming in for a cup of coffee".

If he does launch a leadership bid - the Daily Mirror says - the former Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, is "ready to take him on"; while supporters of Andy Burnham tell the i Paper that Wednesday could be "resignation day". According to the Telegraph, the Greater Manchester mayor is "thought to have decided on the parliamentary seat to contest in a by-election" - and could announce it "as soon as today". But, if he is unable to stand, the Times reports that the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, has told ministers he is prepared to put his name forward - although sources in the Daily Express say this is "categorically untrue". The Guardian says Miliband instead sees himself as "a kingmaker". His allies say he would strike a deal for Rayner or the former transport secretary, Louise Haigh, to run as the soft-left candidate.

In its leader column, the Daily Star endorses a candidate to replace the prime minister - Larry the Downing Street cat. The paper also questions whether it could be "time for a new lettuce" - a reference to its 2022 stunt, when the wilting vegetable outlasted Liz Truss's premiership.