Wes Streeting's 22 months as health secretary were marked by a flurry of media appearances and policy announcements, but critics argue he failed to deliver fundamental change. In his resignation letter, Streeting claimed the NHS was 'on the road to recovery' and highlighted progress on waiting times for planned hospital treatment, ambulance response times, and A&E figures, calling them the best in years.
However, these achievements were selective, with no mention of unmet targets for urgent cancer treatment or ongoing crises in maternity and mental health care. Critics noted several reviews and inquiries, including one on social care not due until 2028, as examples of 'kicking the can down the road'.
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of the King's Fund, praised Streeting's energy but questioned whether the same focus was applied to implementing the 10-year health plan. A former NHS executive said Streeting lacked a detailed plan for transforming the NHS and social care, adding he 'told a good story' but the substance was wanting.
A hospital trust chief executive was blunter, saying 'Wes talked a lot … but not effective', crediting NHS England chief Jim Mackey for actual progress. Another Labour MP, with NHS experience, accused Streeting of chasing headlines and fighting with doctors rather than improving patient outcomes.
Despite these criticisms, Streeting secured the Tobacco and Vapes Act, a ban on junk food advertising before 9pm, and published a 10-year health plan based on 'three big shifts', though it lacked an implementation chapter. Siva Anandaciva of the King's Fund noted Streeting faced a challenging environment including a stagnating economy and industrial action.
