Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is reportedly positioning herself to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister if Labour performs poorly in May's local elections. Allies are said to be preparing a plan in which she would step in as a centrist 'unifying force' on a caretaker basis, potentially alongside Energy Secretary Ed Miliband as Chancellor.

Supporters hope that after stabilising the party, she could be persuaded to lead it into the next general election. Although Mr Miliband ranks highly among party members as a potential leader, allies say he lacks the appetite to return to the top job and would prefer to act as a key power broker, advancing his climate policies from the Treasury.

Speculation about a leadership change comes amid claims that uncertainty over Sir Keir's future has paralysed government business. With other potential contenders facing political or personal obstacles, some senior figures are said to be rallying around experienced caretaker options such as Ms Cooper, despite questions within the party about her communication style and electoral appeal.