A WhatsApp group called 'hope amongst the chaos' has sparked fresh panic in Labour ranks.

The secret chat is full of junior ministers plotting to help Andy Burnham's bid for Number 10.

It had lain dormant for years but sprung into life recently because of the uncertainty around Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.

One of the ministers involved in the scheming is James Frith, the digital ID system minister.

Despite their secret succession planning, many of those involved, including Mr Frith, are yet to publicly call for the Prime Minister to step aside.

Critics say it shows some ministers are more focused on 'Westminster tittle-tattle' than getting on with their Government roles.

One Labour source said: 'It is deeply ironic that these people envision themselves as the hope, opposed to the chaos, even within a gossiping group chat plotting to bring Government to a halt to further their own ambitions.'

The plotters insist the chat is just 'friends working together', with 'pretty dull content' in it.

But Labour whips are growing concerned that the group is another power base to help Mr Burnham topple the Prime Minister. 

If the 'King of the North' wins Thursday's Makerfield by-election, as is now widely expected, he has vowed that he would trigger a formal leadership challenge.

Last week, embattled Sir Keir claimed he would stand against any challenger. 'I don't think it should happen, but if it does then I will fight,' he pledged. 

But those close to Sir Keir believe that if there are co-ordinated resignations in his Government it may make it impossible for him to remain as Prime Minister.

Tory junior ministers brought down Boris Johnson's premiership when they collectively resigned, so Sir Keir's inner circle is keen to 'keep them onside' if he is to stay in the top job.

Since the WhatsApp group's discovery, Sir Keir has said he would not tolerate anyone voting against him and for Mr Burnham.

He has told his ministers that if they support the mayor of Manchester, they would have to leave his frontbench.