Energy Secretary Ed Miliband reportedly raised the prospect of Sir Keir Starmer managing his own exit from Downing Street during a private meeting with the Prime Minister roughly two weeks ago, according to sources.
Two people with knowledge of the conversation said Miliband's central worry was that without a clear plan for transition, the party faced the prospect of a destructive and divisive internal battle for the top job, the Express understands.
Colleagues describe Miliband as "very down" — publicly backing his leader while privately wrestling with the likely extent of the damage Reform UK and the Greens are set to inflict. He is understood to believe Sir Keir may not survive to lead the party into the next general election.
Both Rayner and Streeting are believed to have sufficient parliamentary backing to force a contest, with 81 MP nominations required. Rayner is thought to be seriously considering her position despite an unresolved HMRC inquiry into her tax affairs.
Miliband is allegedly manoeuvring to play a decisive role in elevating Burnham to the leadership. The Greater Manchester mayor has reportedly told close allies that a sitting backbencher is prepared to vacate their seat as soon as this weekend, clearing the way for Burnham to fight a by-election and re-enter the Commons.
Sir Keir is said to be actively working to prevent Burnham's return and has firmly rejected calls to name a leaving date. Miliband has ruled himself out as a candidate but backs Burnham as the left-of-centre figure best placed to restore Labour's fortunes.
The results being declared over the next 48 hours are expected to be the worst in the party's modern history. Wales — a Labour stronghold for over a century — could see the party fall to third place, as it might in Scotland. Up to 1,800 English councillors could be lost as voters defect to Reform UK, the Greens and independents.
According to the Times, the aftermath is expected to prompt mounting calls from senior figures for a change of leadership and immediate challenges to Sir Keir's position.
Miliband will join cabinet loyalists in backing Starmer publicly this weekend, but allies say his deeper concern is preventing Labour from tearing itself apart. He is understood to believe a managed departure would be far less damaging than a protracted civil war.
A source close to Miliband denied he was the "despairing type" and said he had been out on the campaign trail fighting for votes and backing the Prime Minister.
A spokesman for Miliband declined to comment on "private conversations" but said: "We do not accept this account." The spokesman did not dispute that the meeting had taken place and declined to clarify how the account differed from Miliband's version of events.
"Ed has always supported the prime minister and continues to do so as he delivers on his mandate for change," the spokesman added.
