A recent survey by Compass of over 1,000 Labour members reveals that Health Secretary Wes Streeting is deeply unpopular among the party's grassroots. If given a free choice to succeed Keir Starmer, only 11% of members would pick Streeting, compared to 42% for Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Streeting's favourability rating stands at just 18%, while Burnham enjoys 44% favour. Streeting is roughly on par with Angela Rayner and Ed Miliband, both of whom are firmly to his left, suggesting that a majority of members prefer candidates from the soft left or left of the party.
Streeting, a Blairite on the right of Labour and formerly close to Peter Mandelson, faces a serious challenge in any future leadership contest. In recent months he has sought to position himself further left, perhaps to win over members who will ultimately choose the victor from a shortlist nominated by MPs.
Research from Queen Mary University of London indicates that about 48% of Labour members describe themselves as “fairly leftwing”. Since Starmer became leader in 2020, membership has fallen from 532,046 to 333,235 by the end of 2024, with many leaving for the Greens or other parties.
Professor Tim Bale noted that remaining members are likely leftwing and socially liberal, but also want to win elections. “So if Streeting can show them he’s the guy to do that, he still has a chance, even if he’s not their ideological ideal,” Bale said.
