Wes Streeting has called on Sir Keir Starmer to set out a timetable for stepping down as Prime Minister if Andy Burnham wins this week's Makerfield by-election. The Health Secretary made the remarks during a press conference in central London, where he outlined his economic vision.
Streeting's Leadership Challenge
Mr Streeting confirmed he plans to stand in a Labour leadership contest if one is triggered, claiming he has the backing of at least 80 Labour MPs. He urged the Prime Minister to reflect on his position after the by-election results are announced.
"I would hope that after Thursday's by-election, when the results are in, and I very much hope Andy Burnham wins... I hope the Prime Minister will at that stage reflect on his own position and set out a timetable," Mr Streeting said.
Starmer's Response
Speaking at the G7 summit in France, Sir Keir insisted he would prove his rivals wrong and continue with his agenda. "I intend not to walk away from this, but to carry on with what I was elected to do, which is to serve this country, bring back the change that people desperately need," he told reporters.
The Prime Minister dismissed threats to his leadership, noting that critics have repeatedly been proven wrong about his political journey.
By-Election Context
Andy Burnham is the favourite to win the Makerfield by-election, according to multiple opinion polls. His main challenger is Reform UK's Robert Kenyon, though the party faces competition from Restore Britain on migration issues.
Mr Streeting criticised Sir Keir's leadership, saying the Prime Minister is not listening to his Cabinet, military chiefs, Nato allies, or voters. "I don't think he's listening to his former defence secretary, I don't think he's listening to military chiefs, I don't think he's listening to our Nato allies," he told Sky News.
When pressed on whether he would launch a leadership challenge if Mr Burnham does not win, Mr Streeting told LBC: "Yes, I believe we need a change of leadership and if Andy Burnham isn't back, I still believe we need that change of leadership."
The Health Secretary acknowledged Labour faces three problems: with leadership, policy, and culture. He called for unity within the party, stating, "I think we all have a shared sense of what's wrong. I think we have different views about how to put it right, but at the end of it, we need to come together."
