Wes Streeting Confirms He Will Run for Labour Leadership if Contest Is Triggered Wes Streeting, the former health secretary, has announced he will enter a Labour leadership race if one is triggered, emphasizing the need for a “proper contest” to determine the party’s next leader. Speaking at a conference organized by the Progress thinktank, Streeting outlined his vision for the party, including a call for a “new special relationship” with the European Union and a critique of Keir Starmer’s leadership style. His remarks come amid growing tensions within the Labour Party over its direction and strategy. Streeting argued that the UK’s departure from the EU was a “catastrophic mistake” and suggested a closer ties with Europe could help “rebuild our economy and trade” while improving defense against shared threats like Russian aggression and “America First” policies. He also warned against allowing “siren voices” to dominate Labour’s approach to the next general election, urging the party to avoid “out Reform” or “out Green” tactics. Streeting criticized the spread of misinformation online, accusing the country of “handing the pen to tech moguls in Silicon Valley to write our future for us” and calling for a return to democratic control over national direction. The former health secretary also condemned what he described as Starmer’s “heavy-handed” leadership culture, which he claimed stifled creative policy thinking in government. He criticized Labour’s first two years in power, stating the party “arrived in government underprepared in too many areas and lacking clarity of vision and direction.” Streeting highlighted the impact of antisemitism within the party, arguing it left little room for intellectual renewal or policy debate on the centre-left.#keir_starmer #wes_streeting #tommy_robotson #andy_burnham #progress_thinktank
UK Ex-Health Minister Wes Streeting Announces Leadership Bid Against Starmer Wes Streeting, the former British health secretary who resigned from the government this week, has confirmed he will run to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer when the Labour Party leadership contest is triggered. The announcement comes amid mounting pressure on Starmer’s government, which has faced intense scrutiny following a disastrous performance in recent local elections. Streeting, who stepped down from his role as a minister on Thursday, emphasized the need for a “proper contest with the best candidates on the field” and declared his intention to vie for the leadership of the centre-left Labour Party. Streeting’s decision to challenge Starmer follows a series of resignations within the Labour Party, including his own departure from the government. He cited a lack of “confidence” in Starmer’s leadership, accusing the prime minister of leading the party into government “underprepared” and “lacking clarity of vision and direction.” His remarks, reported by the UK’s Guardian newspaper, marked a direct critique of Starmer’s administration. Streeting also endorsed Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, as a top contender for the leadership, calling him “one of the best players on the pitch” and urging Labour members to prioritize his candidacy over factional interests. Burnham, who has already secured support from several Labour MPs, is now positioned to challenge Starmer directly. To do so, Burnham must first win a parliamentary seat in the Makerfield by-election, scheduled for next month. Labour has agreed to allow him to seek election, a move that could reshape the party’s leadership race.#keir_starmer #wes_streeting #andy_burnham #angela_rayner #makerfield_byelection
