Wes Streeting has resigned as Britain’s Health Secretary, deepening the political crisis facing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and intensifying pressure on him from within the Labour Party.
Streeting, one of the government’s most prominent ministers and often mentioned as a possible future Labour leadership contender, said in his resignation letter that he had lost confidence in Starmer’s leadership. His departure is being viewed as a significant blow to the Prime Minister, who is already facing mounting criticism from Labour MPs after poor regional election results last week.
In the letter, Streeting said it had become clear that Starmer would not lead Labour into the next general election and called for a wider debate over the party’s future direction. “Where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift,” he wrote, adding that it would be “dishonourable and unprincipled” to remain in government under the current circumstances.
Pressure after election setbacks
Streeting’s resignation follows a turbulent week for Starmer, with several ministerial resignations and growing unrest among Labour MPs after the party suffered heavy losses in local and devolved elections. ITV reported that as many as 93 Labour MPs have either called for Starmer to stand down immediately or asked him to set out a timetable for his departure.
British media reported that Streeting’s move could pave the way for an attempt to trigger a Labour leadership contest. Under party rules, a challenger would need the public backing of 81 Labour MPs to begin such a process. Streeting’s allies have suggested he may have the numbers, although no formal challenge has yet been launched.
Starmer has insisted he intends to remain in office and has warned that a leadership contest would further destabilise both the government and the party. More than 100 Labour MPs have reportedly signed a letter backing the Prime Minister.
Streeting took over the health brief after Labour’s general election victory two years ago, with a central role in efforts to reform the National Health Service. The NHS continues to face serious pressure from waiting lists, staff shortages and rising demand.
Source: CNA
