Allies of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer are sounding the alarm as whispers of a leadership challenge grow louder within the party. With the Budget looming in just two weeks, there are fears that discontent among Labour MPs could lead to an immediate attempt to unseat him. Critics are quick to label Downing Street's response as "bunker mode," suggesting that such a defensive posture will only worsen the government's already precarious situation.

Friends of Starmer are deeply concerned about what they perceive as a brewing coup, warning that a leadership challenge could plunge the party into chaos. The names being floated as potential replacements include some of Starmer's closest allies, such as Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Speculation also surrounds former Labour leader Ed Miliband and backbenchers like Louise Haigh, raising questions about loyalty and ambition within the party ranks.

One minister close to Starmer emphasized that he is prepared to fight back against any challenge, referencing a key by-election loss in 2021 that nearly cost him his position. "This is not a Hartlepool moment," the minister asserted, highlighting that Starmer is one of the few Labour leaders to have won a general election. The sentiment among Starmer's supporters is that any attempt to replace him now would be sheer madness, especially with local elections on the horizon.

As Labour braces for potential electoral setbacks in Scotland, Wales, and various English councils next May, some party members are growing impatient. They argue that waiting for the locals to play out could be disastrous, with one senior MP stating, "I can't lose all my councillors." The pressure is mounting, and the list of reasons for a leadership change post-Budget is expanding daily.

Streeting's ambitions are particularly concerning for Starmer's loyalists, who fear that a challenge from within could destabilize the party further. A spokesperson for Streeting has denied any intentions to challenge, insisting that his focus remains on improving the NHS. However, the perception of infighting and disunity is palpable, with government sources accusing Starmer's team of undermining their own members.

Supporters of Starmer are warning Labour MPs to think carefully about what they wish for, arguing that a leadership contest could mirror the chaos that plagued the Conservative Party in its final years. They contend that such instability could not only jeopardize the party's standing but also threaten the positive relationships Starmer has built on the international stage, particularly with figures like former President Trump.

Despite these warnings, some ministers express deep concern over Starmer's unpopularity, suggesting that his leadership may not be sustainable until the next election. Polls indicate that Starmer is among the least popular prime ministers in modern history, with Labour struggling to secure more than 20 percent of the electorate's support. As the party grapples with its identity and direction, the rise of Reform UK and its leader Nigel Farage looms large, adding another layer of complexity to Labour's internal strife.

In this turbulent political landscape, the stakes are high. Starmer's leadership is under siege, and the outcome of this internal battle could reshape the future of the Labour Party and its ability to compete against the Conservatives and emerging challengers like Reform UK. As the Budget approaches, all eyes will be on Labour, waiting to see if Starmer can weather the storm or if a new leader will emerge from the chaos.