Wes Streeting has resigned as the UK Health Secretary, stating he has lost confidence in the leadership of British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The move significantly intensifies the political crisis currently engulfing the Labour government.
In a formal resignation letter, Streeting criticised the government for a lack of “vision” and a sense of “drift,” asserting that Starmer would not lead the party into the next general election.
He noted that while his record in office, including the reduction of NHS waiting times, provided “good reasons” to remain, he concluded it would be “dishonourable and unprincipled” to stay after losing faith in the prime minister.
The resignation followed a meeting at 10 Downing Street on Wednesday morning that lasted less than 20 minutes. It comes as dozens of Labour MPs have urged Sir Keir to step down following heavy losses in recent elections across England, Scotland, and Wales.
While Streeting has not formally launched a challenge to the leadership, there is intense speculation regarding his intentions.
Under party rules, 81 signatures from Labour MPs are required to trigger a contest. Allies of Streeting, such as Central Ayrshire MP Alan Gemmell, insist he has secured the necessary support.
However, supporters of the British prime minister have dismissed these claims, suggesting Streeting has as few as 44 committed backers.
Streeting’s supporters indicated that he chose not to trigger an immediate contest because he believes the party needs a “battle of ideas” rather than a “factional stitch up”.
He has reportedly called for a broad field of candidates, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who would first need to return to parliament via a by-election to compete.
The crisis has seen other senior figures return to the spotlight. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced on Thursday that she had resolved a tax dispute with HMRC, paying £40,000 in unpaid stamp duty.
Rayner stated she would not “trigger” a contest but did not rule out running for the leadership.
In contrast, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson maintained her loyalty to the Prime Minister, stating that Sir Keir has the full backing of the cabinet.
She described Streeting’s departure as a chance for the party to “pause” and “draw a line” under the recent turmoil.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the internal strife, remarking that the Labour Party has “descended into civil war” while “nobody is running the country”.
Keir Starmer continues to fight for his premiership, having told colleagues on Wednesday evening that a leadership contest would “100% ” plunge the party and the country into chaos.
His allies suggest he may yet fight on, with MP Catherine West noting his “excellent credentials on the international stage” as a reason he could win a potential competition.
