Wes Streeting Allies Expect Leadership Challenge Against Sir Keir Starmer Tomorrow
Health Secretary Wes Streeting's allies anticipate he will initiate a challenge for the Labour leadership against Sir Keir Starmer, with expectations of a formal move as early as tomorrow, Thursday.
Streeting engaged in a meeting with the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street for under 20 minutes this morning. This encounter occurred after days of intense speculation that Streeting was preparing a bid to replace Sir Keir.
Two prominent supporters of the Health Secretary have expressed confidence that he will trigger a leadership election on Thursday. Others within the party have indicated disappointment if Streeting were to withdraw from a challenge at this juncture. A supporter stated that failure to challenge Starmer would mean "we'll have knifed ourselves for nothing."
Under Labour Party regulations, Streeting would require the endorsement of 81 Members of Parliament to force a vote among party members. Sir Keir would automatically stand as a candidate, while other aspirants would also need to secure 81 nominations.
Responding to a report in The Times about Streeting's preparation to resign from the cabinet and initiate a contest, a spokesman for the Health Secretary told the newspaper: "Wes is the health secretary, he is proud of his record of falling waiting lists and a recovering NHS. He is not planning to say anything following his meeting with the prime minister that might distract from the King's Speech."
The meeting between Streeting and Sir Keir took place shortly before the Labour government presented its legislative agenda in the King's Speech, marking the commencement of a new parliamentary session.
Streeting's anticipated next move is a focal point in Westminster, particularly after Sir Keir faced an attempt by Labour MPs to remove him from Downing Street. On Tuesday, four ministers, including Jess Phillips, resigned, and over 80 Labour MPs urged Sir Keir to step down, highlighting significant internal divisions following a poor set of election results last week.
Sir Keir affirmed his intention to "get on with governing," as cabinet allies rallied in his defence, with over 100 MPs signing a statement against a leadership contest. However, the Prime Minister's authority has been perceptibly weakened by the Labour revolt.
Streeting has previously been candid about his leadership aspirations and commands substantial support from Labour MPs, particularly those aligned with the party's centre and right factions. Allies of the Prime Minister reportedly believed that Streeting would not be able to secure 81 supporters during their meeting on Wednesday. Some MPs from the party's right, typically considered Streeting's base, have signed the statement asserting that now is not the time for a leadership contest.
Even without a direct challenge from Streeting, Sir Keir faces additional pressures. On Wednesday morning, Labour-affiliated trade unions withdrew their support for the Prime Minister, asserting that it was clear Sir Keir would not lead Labour into the forthcoming general election. Other senior Labour politicians also harbour leadership ambitions, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who enjoys strong MP support and high public popularity, though his current status outside Parliament presents an obstacle.
