Wes Streeting Confirms Leadership Ambitions, Andy Burnham Seeks Makerfield By-Election
Wes Streeting, who resigned as Health Secretary days ago citing a "lost confidence" in the Prime Minister, has confirmed his readiness to enter a Labour leadership contest. Speaking on Saturday, Streeting stated, "We need a proper contest with the best candidates on the field, and I will be standing." He further criticised Brexit as a "catastrophic mistake," advocating for the UK to "one day" rejoin the European Union.
Burnham's Bid for Westminster Return
Concurrently, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has declared his intention to stand in the Makerfield by-election. Burnham, widely expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership should he secure the by-election seat, framed the vote as a moment to "reclaim the Labour party, to save it from where it's been." He obtained clearance from Labour's National Executive Committee on Friday to contest the by-election, a necessary step for him to qualify for a leadership challenge under party rules.
Prime Minister Resists Calls to Stand Down
The Prime Minister continues to resist calls for his resignation and a timetable for departure, following significant Labour election losses in early May. He is anticipated to oppose any challenges from potential contenders like Streeting and Burnham. Streeting, despite resigning, has not formally launched a leadership bid, stating that waiting for Burnham to have the opportunity to stand would ensure any new leader has "legitimacy," thereby preventing "extending the instability and uncertainty" within the party.
Streeting reiterated his strong opposition to Brexit, arguing it has left the UK "less wealthy, less powerful and less in control than at any point before the Industrial Revolution." Burnham echoed a similar sentiment, asserting that "Britain has been on the wrong path for 40 years," pointing to de-industrialisation and privatisation as detrimental policies.
