SIR Keir Starmer vetoed talk of David Miliband and Ed Balls return as Labour MPs, a party insider claims.
The embattled PM “does not like tall poppies” who could rival him, the senior figure says.
Claims that Sir Keir knocked back chatter about political heavyweights come after a disastrous week in which No10 launched a briefing war and the Treasury U-turned on Budget income tax rises.
Many insiders are now openly questioning how long Sir Keir and Chancellor Rachel Reeves can hang on in No10 and No11.
Piling on the pressure, former Home Secretary David Blunkett warned the embattled PM must get a grip or face serious consequences.
Ex minister Mr Balls was rumoured to be considering running in a by-election in Wakefield in 2022.
SHATTERED
‘Panicked’ Starmer & Reeves could be ousted within months, insiders warn
HOME TRUTHS
PM’s standards advisor says Rachel Reeves made an ‘unfortunate error’
The Good Morning Britain host and former Strictly star eventually ruled himself out of the race online after frenzied speculation.
Former Foreign Secretary Mr Miliband — elder brother of Net Zero minister Ed — was thought to be eyeing up a return to Westminster before the general election in 2024.
A senior insider said: “It goes to show you Keir doesn’t like tall poppies who could rival him.
“Both Ed and David would have been useful to have in the Treasury.”
Lord Blunkett said: “It is six months until those crucial May local elections.
“If you don’t display in the next three months that you have got a grip, that you understand how people feel, you are managing and competent, then people will react.
“Something quite serious will erupt from the parliamentary party and beyond.”
Team Keir rubbished claims he had kiboshed the return of any big-hitters. A source said: “This is total nonsense.
“We’ve long had strong and important Labour voices to the benefit of our movement – and that tradition will continue long into the future as we deliver change for the country through national renewal.”