Labour leader remains bullish about defeating any challenge, but jostling for top job among rivals and their supporters continues

With Keir Starmer’s poll ratings getting worse and the Labour party alarmed by the prospect of wipeout at next May’s local elections, there is much speculation at Westminster about whether he can last the course.

The prime minister is bullish about the prospect of standing aside for another candidate, saying he has defied his detractors before and would do so again. But with many on his own side fearing that he doesn’t have what it takes to turn things around, he may not have the chance.