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Wes Streeting's swagger on arrival at Downing Street indicates a deliberately confident, optimistic and statesmanlike presentation as he entered No10, according to body language expert Judi James. Mr Streeting's brief 20-minute visit to Downing Street has intensified speculation over Labour's leadership turmoil, after the Health Secretary - widely tipped to be on the verge of launching a leadership challenge - was seen entering talks with Sir Keir Starmer as pressure mounts on the Prime Minister from ministers, MPs and unions.

Ms James said: "Mr Streeting's body language as he arrived at No 10 looked deliberately confident, optimistic and statesmanlike. His walk was more of a march as though he had come to sort out the problems of government and his brisk but unhurried pace suggested a sense of determination.

"His slight smile, with his lips closed and at an asymmetric angle, came with a jaw that looked squared and set to suggest he might be up for any fight that came at him, and he maintained an almost jaunty amount of eye contact with the cameras.

"Mr Streeting took the steps to No 10 in two large strides, projecting strong energy and keenness."

Ms James said the exit told a slightly different story: "Seventeen minutes later and his exit body language looked near identical, except that he had lost some of his rhythm and ease of movement.

The 'march' lacked the same co-ordination and the pace did now look a little rushed as he strode off into the distance showing the merest of hints that he might have been rather rattled by his meeting."

Mr Streeting's arrival at No10 came as pressure continues to build on Sir Keir amid escalating speculation over the stability of his leadership, with ministers, MPs and unions all increasing pressure for change.

Mr Streeting did not speak to reporters as he arrived or left Downing Street on Wednesday morning, where he held talks lasting around 20 minutes behind closed doors.

The meeting comes as Sir Keir faces mounting internal pressure, with more than 80 Labour MPs reportedly calling for him to stand down following a series of resignations and widening unrest inside the party.

Labour-affiliated unions have also withdrawn support, warning that the party "cannot continue on its current path" and arguing it is already clear Sir Keir will not lead Labour into the next general election.

The Prime Minister has sought to steady his position by replacing several ministers in recent days, including Jess Phillips and health minister Zubir Ahmed, both of whom have publicly called for him to resign.

Further political context has emerged from commentary by Steve Swinford, who cast doubt on official attempts to downplay the significance of the meeting.

Steve Swinford said the idea the talks were "just two blokes having a coffee" was "bizarre", arguing the context pointed to a far more serious exchange.

He added that Mr Streeting was expected to confront the Prime Minister over how he intended to "get us out of this mess", and suggested the Health Secretary was weighing up whether to push for a timetable for Sir Keir's departure.

Mr Swinford noted that nearly 100 MPs had already moved against the leadership, many aligned with Mr Streeting, and that the meeting lasted just 16 minutes - "barely enough time for a proper cup of coffee" - concluding that "all of this points in one direction" and describing the situation as "a tinderbox".

Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has insisted there is no leadership contest, dismissing Westminster speculation and stressing that the Government was focused on delivery rather than internal manoeuvring.

However, senior Labour figures including Mr Streeting and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham are widely seen as potential future contenders, while former Labour leader Ed Miliband has denied any plans to enter a contest.

The brief visit has added further fuel to speculation over Labour's direction as internal tensions continue to deepen.