Sir Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his “full confidence” in Health Secretary Wes Streeting, despite reports that Streeting is poised to resign and mount a leadership challenge. The two met for crisis talks in Downing Street on Wednesday morning, with the meeting lasting less than 20 minutes ahead of the King’s Speech.
Streeting is believed to have told allies he plans to quit the government on Thursday and run for the top job. When asked whether the Prime Minister still has confidence in his Health Secretary, Starmer’s spokesman told reporters: “Yes.” The official declined to discuss details of the internal meeting, stating only that “the Prime Minister has full confidence in the Health Secretary.”
The spokesman sidestepped a question on whether Streeting would remain in his role for the rest of the week, reiterating that Starmer has “full confidence” in him. Starmer has managed to hold onto power despite the resignation of four ministers, some close to Streeting, and at least 85 MPs calling for him to step down.
The Labour Party is now openly divided over Starmer’s future, with over 100 MPs signing a statement backing him and warning against a leadership contest. Following his meeting with Starmer, Streeting ignored reporters as he left Number 10. His team did not deny claims he is poised to quit, and he posted on X as if business were usual, focusing on the government’s NHS record.
Unlike other senior ministers, Streeting did not publicly reiterate support for Starmer on Tuesday or after the weekly Cabinet meeting. During the Downing Street meeting, Starmer told Cabinet that a leadership challenge process had not been triggered. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy questioned whether rivals had secured the backing of the required 81 MPs.
On Wednesday morning, trade unions withdrew their support, saying it was clear Starmer would not lead Labour into the next election. Reports of Streeting’s planned formal challenge emerged shortly before the King’s Speech. The government sought to proceed with its legislative agenda, but the rumours threatened to overshadow proceedings.
One Labour MP told the Press Association: “This is hugely high risk for Wes. He is clearly trying to force the Prime Minister to stand aside. But if Keir fights Wes in a leadership race as is likely, then Wes’s political career could be finished.”
