Wes Streeting Calls for Labour Stability, Opposes Leadership Challenge to Starmer
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly stated that he does not want to see Keir Starmer face a challenge as Labour leader following the May elections, arguing that such a move would undermine the party's election promise to voters to avoid further chaos.
In an exclusive interview, Streeting, who is widely regarded as a prospective candidate in any future contest, urged voters to "give the guy a chance" and expressed confidence that none of his colleagues would attempt to oust the prime minister.
Playing Down Leadership Race Prospects
While Streeting played down the likelihood of a leadership race being triggered, he did not completely rule out entering the fray should one occur in the wake of catastrophic election results. He has maintained a relatively low profile since last month, when the party's Scottish leader called for Starmer to step down.
At that time, Streeting insisted he backed the prime minister and had no intention of moving against him, though allies later suggested his ambitions remained intact.
Impact of International Crises on Leadership Dynamics
With the outbreak of the Iran conflict, supporters of Streeting and Angela Rayner—another likely contender—acknowledged that Labour MPs would be less willing to change leaders during such a precarious international situation. They noted that the public would likely view such a move negatively.
Speaking to the Guardian's Politics Weekly podcast, Streeting said: "I don't want to see Keir challenged in May. I don't think that that will happen." When pressed on whether he would run if someone else triggered a contest, he added: "I don't even think that's going to be a scenario. And honestly, I'd had the other month just about my fill of tedious, who's up, who's down, that kind of 'politics is a parlour game' crap. I've got a job to do. I've got a big job to do. This is the only job I want to do."
Public Perception and Risks of Instability
Streeting, who has faced criticism from some Labour MPs over leadership speculation destabilising the party, warned that the public could react negatively to any challenge. He stated: "I think there is a risk for the Labour party if people look at us and think, hang on a minute, we voted for change. We thought you were going to draw a line under chaos and now it looks like you're going to chop and change."
He praised Starmer's handling of the Middle East conflict, noting that it showcased his "judgment, level-headedness, and an ability to see the bigger picture." Streeting emphasised that Starmer's leadership during the Iran crisis highlighted his finest qualities, setting him apart from previous prime ministers.
Defending WhatsApp Release and Addressing NHS Concerns
Streeting defended his decision to publish private WhatsApp exchanges with Peter Mandelson, saying he aimed to counter "smear and innuendo" implying a close relationship with the former US ambassador. He denied the messages were damaging, stating he was "disgusted as everyone else" by Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, but acknowledged some colleagues were unhappy with the release.
On health policy, Streeting expressed concern that young people are losing faith in the NHS, despite recent improvements in patient satisfaction. He cited social attitude surveys showing younger generations, who have not experienced the NHS at its best, are increasingly sceptical about its tax-funded model.
NHS Data Contract and Political Implications
Streeting also addressed the £330 million NHS data contract signed by his Conservative predecessor with Palantir, a US tech firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, a major donor to Donald Trump. He assured that data remains in the UK, is owned by the NHS, and access is controlled domestically, with Palantir not having visibility into patient data.
He concluded by urging patience with the government's progress, noting: "He's only been prime minister for 20 months. Give the guy and the government a chance."
