A surprise candidate to replace Starmer could neutralise Farage’s voter appeal
- Posted on February 7, 2026
- By The Independent
- 3 Views
A surprise candidate to replace Starmer could neutralise Farage’s voter appeal

With the prime minister rumoured to be ‘in a dark place’ and considering quitting over the Mandelson scandal, political editor David Maddox looks at the possible replacements including a rapidly emerging surprise contender