Health Secretary Wes Streeting's ambitions to succeed Keir Starmer as Labour leader are hampered by his soft-right credentials, according to a recent survey. The Compass poll of over 1,000 Labour members found that only 11% would back Streeting if given a free choice, compared to 42% for Andy Burnham. Burnham also enjoyed a 44% favourability rating, while Streeting managed just 18%.
Streeting's standing places him on par with Angela Rayner and Ed Miliband, but both are viewed more favourably by members. The survey suggests that the majority of the party prefers candidates to the left of Streeting on the ideological spectrum. Despite being considered the most prepared for a leadership contest, his Blairite background and association with Peter Mandelson put him at a disadvantage.
In recent months, Streeting has attempted to reposition himself further left, likely to appeal to the membership that will ultimately decide the next leader from a shortlist nominated by MPs. However, Queen Mary University of London research indicates that about 48% of Labour members describe themselves as “fairly leftwing,” and the party's deputy leadership election saw a low turnout, suggesting members remain largely on the soft left.
Members may also be wary of candidates who shift leftwards after making pledges, given Starmer's own 2020 leadership promises, which many felt were betrayed. Since Starmer took over, Labour membership has dropped from 532,046 at the end of 2019 to 333,235 by the end of 2024, with many leaving for the Greens or other parties.
Professor Tim Bale of Queen Mary University noted that while remaining members are likely leftwing and socially liberal, they also want to win elections. “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.
