More than 100 Labour MPs have publicly declared their support for Sir Keir Starmer, asserting that "this is no time for a leadership contest" as the party grapples with internal divisions.
The intervention comes as the Labour leader faces mounting pressure over his future, with a significant number of colleagues reportedly calling for his resignation.
A group of 111 Labour MPs signed a letter urging unity and a focus on regaining public trust following a challenging period for the party.
Their message underscores the need for collective effort "to deliver the change the country needs."
The letter stated: "Last week we had a devastatingly tough set of election results. It shows we have a hard job ahead to win back trust from the electorate.
“That job needs to start today – with all of us working together to deliver the change the country needs. We must focus on that. This is no time for a leadership contest."
However, the show of solidarity was complicated by Labour MP Rupa Huq, who denied signing the letter despite her name appearing on the list.
Writing on X, the Ealing Central and Acton representative said: "Surprised to see my name on this list when I haven’t either signed any letter supporting the PM or called for the PM to go?? Not very courteous of colleagues to put names down without their approval."
There is no formal confidence vote procedure to oust a Labour leader. Any challenger to Sir Keir would instead require the support of 81 MPs – 20 per cent of the party in the Commons – to trigger a contest.
These MPs would all have to back the same candidate to succeed the prime minister.
Both former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and health secretary Wes Streeting are seen as potential leadership contenders, although both are yet to make a move against the prime minister.
The prime minister met with Mr Streeting at Number 10 on Wednesday morning for a meeting lasting just under 20 minutes.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is also seen as a candidate, although he is still not an MP after Sir Keir prevented him from becoming Labour’s candidate in February’s Gorton and Denton by-election.
On Sunday, Ms Rayner said that Labour’s approach “isn’t working, and it needs to change”, adding that the party should not have blocked Mr Burnham from attempting to become an MP.
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