LONDON – Allies of Mr Keir Starmer sought to ward off a feared leadership challenge from one of the British premier’s best-known ministers, as Cabinet feuds spilled into the open just weeks before the government is due to unveil a contentious budget. 

Mr Starmer’s supporters privately accused Health Secretary Wes Streeting of plotting to replace the prime minister, according to people familiar with the matter, in an acknowledgment of his weakened position after months of Labour Party rebellions and stubbornly low poll numbers.