Sir Keir Starmer faces fresh questions over his future today as he touches down in Britain following his trip to China and Japan.
Labour Party colleagues have continued jostling for position to replace the beleaguered Prime Minister in his absence, amid continued frustrations over his management.
Formally registering The Office of Angela Rayner Limited on January 22, Angela Rayner is claimed to have secured a £1million “war chest” to fight for the top job in the event of a leadership challenge.
And it’s believed the former deputy prime minister has been on a “personal charm offensive” to sure up support form the back benches ever since she was forced to resign from Cabinet in September last year.
Earlier this week it was reported the Ashton-under-Lyne MP had declared to colleagues “I’m not dead yet” as she prepares for a return to frontline politics.
“I’m still fighting,” she said. “I ain’t giving those keys to No 10 to Nigel Farage.”
“She is ready to go herself. There is enough money behind her,” one ally told the Mail on Sunday.
Meanwhile, another said: “She has received more than a million in firm pledges and is ready to go.”
Angela Rayner is understood to be preparing herself for a run for the Labour leadership
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A spokesman for Ms Rayner has sought to downplay any suggestions the Labour MP is preparing for a run at the leadership.
“Angela has formed a company to provide staff support for her public activities, in line with precedent and with approval from the relevant authorities,” he said.
“A running commentary is not helpful, and nor is ill-informed gossip or idle speculation.”
Opinion polls continue to make dire reading for the Prime Minister, with one released on Friday suggesting his popularity has sunk to unprecedented levels.
Sir Keir Starmer is landing back in the UK to more questions over his leadership
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Sir Keir Starmer’s popularity has sunk to unprecedented levels
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The BMG Research survey found Sir Keir’s net satisfaction rating has plunged to a record low of -49.
The poll found 51 per cent of Britons want the party to replace its current leader, while just one in five think he should remain in post.
According to the findings, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is the public’s favourite to take over as Prime Minister, with support from 24 per cent of those who want a change of leadership.
It comes after Mr Burnham was blocked from returning to Parliament last weekend when Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee rejected a request for him to stand in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
Labour unveiled Manchester city councillor Angeliki Stogia as its candidate
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Labour yesterday unveiled Manchester city councillor Angeliki Stogia as its candidate.
The Manchester Mayor said Ms Stogia would do “a great job” as he pledged his support to her candidacy.
In a post on social media, he said: “Big congrats Angeliki! I know you will do a great job. I will be there for you whenever you need me.”
However, allies of Mr Burnham believe it is only a matter of time until their man is given a chance to return to Westminster.
Andy Burnham said Ms Stogia would do ‘a great job’ as he pledged his support to her candidacy
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GETTYA former adviser to Mr Burnham, Sacha Lord, told GB News earlier this week the decision had “made Andy Burnham more powerful”.
He said: “Everybody’s looking at Andy Burnham now, and he has got more class than Starmer could ever have.”
Another supporter told the Mail on Sunday: “The blocking has only delayed the inevitable.
“After the impending disaster of May’s local elections, the clamour for Andy’s return will become irresistible.”