Starmer to promise bolder action as leadership threats mount

Starmer to promise bolder action as leadership threats mount9 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GooglePaul SeddonPolitical reporterGetty ImagesSir Keir Starmer is to promise bolder action to tackle "big challenges" facing the country, as he battles to persuade his MPs not to ditch him as Labour leader.The prime minister will seek to reset his premiership in a speech on Monday, after heavy election losses left him facing renewed calls to quit.Growing numbers of Labour MPs went public with calls for him to go over the weekend, with potential challenger Angela Rayner saying the party needed to do more to appeal to voters whose living standards had been squeezed. It comes as backbencher Catherine West said she could try to trigger a leadership contest in the wake of his speech. Rayner issues 'last chance' warning to Starmer and backs Burnham to returnIs Starmer's leadership under serious threat?Can Starmer survive as PM? Seven scenarios for what might happen nextThe north London MP has threatened to begin canvassing support if Sir Keir's address leaves her "dissatisfied" with his plan to turn the party's fortunes around.Although she has made clear she is not seeking to replace the prime minister herself, her move could provide a route for other contenders to come forward, including former Deputy Prime Minister Rayner and Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is also seen as a potential leadership rival, although a speedy contest would hamper his chances because he would first need to become an MP to stand as a candidate.Monday's address could prove to be the most important speech of Sir Keir's premiership so far, after the disastrous results at this week's elections left his leadership position more vulnerable than ever.At the heart of the speech will be an ambition to put Britain "at the heart of Europe" by seeking closer ties with the EU, a move he said would &q...