Wes Streeting gave a highly selective reflection of his record as health secretary in his resignation letter on Thursday, focusing on achievements while omitting persistent failures.
Streeting's Self-Praised Tenure
During his 22 months in office, Streeting was known for relentless media engagement and press releases portraying him as a dynamic reformer clearing up the NHS mess left by the Conservatives. He repeatedly claimed the NHS was "on the road to recovery," a line included in his resignation letter to Keir Starmer.
Streeting highlighted reductions in waiting times for planned treatment, faster ambulance response for strokes and heart attacks, and improved A&E figures. However, critics note he ignored urgent cancer treatment delays, stalled reviews on maternity and mental health, and kicked the social care crisis down the road with a 2028 inquiry.
Critics' Verdict: Style Over Substance
Sarah Woolnough of the King's Fund praised Streeting's energy but questioned implementation. A former NHS executive said he had no detailed plan for transformation, while a hospital trust chief executive bluntly stated, "Wes talked a lot but not effective." A Labour MP accused him of chasing headlines and fighting with staff rather than improving patient outcomes.
Streeting's achievements include the Tobacco and Vapes Act, a junk food advertising ban, and a 10-year health plan—though lacking an implementation chapter. He also initiated the abolition of NHS England, a costly reorganization critics call a distraction.
Ultimately, as the King's Fund noted, Streeting "hasn't stuck around long enough to fix it," leaving the story of his tenure unfinished.
