Wes Streeting's resignation as health secretary has effectively ended Sir Keir Starmer's premiership, though the former minister is not expected to win the ensuing leadership contest. The announcement, which came after days of speculation, was met with relief in Westminster, where MPs had grown anxious over the prolonged uncertainty.
Streeting's resignation letter called for a longer contest but stopped short of an immediate leadership bid, suggesting he is still gathering support. His move was precipitated by fears that Andy Burnham, the popular Greater Manchester mayor, might return to parliament and launch a rival campaign. Sources indicated that Defence Minister Al Carns is also preparing to stand, while former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner is the bookmakers' favourite due to her support among Labour and trade union members.
Other potential candidates include Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, a former leader, though Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper are not expected to enter the race. Their endorsements could prove decisive. Sir Keir has vowed to fight Streeting's challenge, but a delegation of cabinet ministers is reportedly planning to urge him to step down.
Streeting, who had hoped to avoid being seen as the one who ousted Starmer, now faces the historical adage that the 'wielder of the knife never wears the crown'. Despite his bravado, bookmakers and analysts consider his victory unlikely given the party's internal dynamics and the emergence of more unifying candidates.
