Wes Streeting is reportedly considering stepping down from his government position and initiating a leadership contest possibly as early as tomorrow. The Health Secretary, seen as a potential contender, had a brief meeting with Keir Starmer amidst internal strife within the Labour Party, with over 80 MPs calling for the Prime Minister’s resignation following recent electoral setbacks.
Reports surfaced just before the King’s Speech that Streeting intends to resign, with one insider confirming his intent to make a move imminently. To trigger a leadership contest within the Labour Party, 81 MPs must nominate a challenger, while Starmer would automatically be included on the ballot if he chooses to defend his position.
A spokesperson for Streeting did not refute the rumors of his potential resignation and contest initiation. Stressing his accomplishments in healthcare, the spokesperson mentioned that Streeting had no plans to make any distracting statements after his meeting with the Prime Minister.
Streeting left Downing Street without providing comments to reporters after discussions aimed at addressing concerns about the party’s direction. Despite expectations of a truce during the King’s Speech, tensions among Labour factions persist, threatening to resurface post-ceremony.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds downplayed the situation, suggesting that the discussions were casual. However, he acknowledged the turbulent atmosphere and the lack of unity behind a successor. Union support for a leadership change before the next election poses a challenge to the Prime Minister’s authority.
The TULO group, representing 11 affiliated unions, expressed the need for a new direction within Labour and emphasized the necessity of preparing for a leadership transition. They highlighted the inevitability of replacing the current leader before the upcoming election.
