Wes Streeting is reportedly considering stepping down from his government position and initiating a leadership contest possibly starting tomorrow, according to sources close to him. The Health Secretary, often seen as a potential contender, held a brief crisis meeting with Keir Starmer on Wednesday amidst internal conflict within the Labour Party. Following last week’s election setback, more than 80 MPs have urged the Prime Minister to resign.
Just before the King’s Speech, reports surfaced suggesting that Streeting is gearing up to make a move. Sources indicated that he is set to take action imminently, with one insider stating, “He is going for it. He’s making his move tomorrow.” Refuting claims that Streeting had backed down, another source insisted that the senior Cabinet minister, despite denying any ambitions for the top role in the past, is resolute in his decision.
For Streeting to initiate a leadership challenge within the Labour Party, he would require support from 81 MPs, accounting for 20% of the parliamentary party. If a contest ensues, Starmer, as the incumbent, would automatically appear on the ballot if he chooses to defend his position.
When asked about the rumors of his potential resignation and contest-triggering intentions, a spokesperson for Streeting neither confirmed nor denied the speculations. The spokesperson emphasized Streeting’s focus on his achievements in healthcare and indicated that no distracting statements were planned following the meeting with the Prime Minister.
Following discussions at Downing Street on Wednesday morning, Streeting did not address reporters, despite the talks being framed as an opportunity to raise serious concerns about the party’s direction by his supporters. Expectations that Labour’s factions would temporarily set aside their differences during the King’s Speech were overshadowed by lingering tensions, hinting at further discord post-ceremony.
In the event of Streeting challenging the Prime Minister, other prominent figures in the party, such as Angela Rayner, might throw their hats in the ring. Rayner, who has been viewed as a potential successor, previously advocated for paving the way for Andy Burnham’s return to Parliament. However, if Streeting accelerates the succession process before Burnham’s potential comeback, Rayner is poised to step forward, as per insider information.
With potential leadership changes looming, discussions around party dynamics have intensified. While Burnham’s intentions remain unclear, Rayner emerges as a viable candidate from the moderate wing of the Labour Party to potentially challenge Streeting.
Earlier remarks by Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds downplayed the Streeting-PM meeting as a casual encounter, likening it to a scene from a movie. Despite acknowledging recent turbulence within the party, Thomas-Symonds indicated that progress was being made as no consensus had been reached on a successor. However, union support for a leadership change ahead of the next election poses a significant challenge to the PM’s authority.
The TULO group, representing 11 affiliated unions including Unite and Unison, expressed concerns about Labour’s current trajectory. Calling for a leadership transition plan, the group highlighted the necessity of preparing for a new leader to lead the party into the upcoming election, signaling growing discontent within Labour’s support base.
