In an exclusive address, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has declared that the Labour Party must "give the country hope" following a significant by-election defeat. Speaking at the Labour North conference in Durham, Streeting emphasised the need for humility and unity within the party after the crushing loss in Gorton and Denton to the Greens.
A Call for Unity and Humility
Wes Streeting, who has long been associated with potential leadership ambitions, urged Labour members to demonstrate "humility in defeat." He cautioned against any strategic shift to the left in an attempt to counter the Greens, warning that such a move would be misguided.
"The challenge for Labour is in some ways the same as it has always been: To be the party that unites that coalition across the centre and the left," Streeting stated. He stressed that hope should not be built on mere sentiments but on tangible change, asserting that Labour must now restore the nation's hope through the reforms it is implementing.
Rejecting Political Shifts
Streeting firmly dismissed suggestions that Labour should move leftwards to outmanoeuvre the Greens, drawing a parallel to past calls for a rightward shift after the Runcorn by-election. "They are just as wrong as the people who argued, in the wake of the Runcorn by-election, that we should shift to the right and try to out-Reform Reform," he said.
He emphasised Labour's position as the governing party, highlighting its responsibility to set its own agenda rather than reacting to opponents. "We are the Labour Party. We are in government. We start every day with the microphone in our hand and the power to make our country fairer," Streeting added.
Prime Minister's Response
Concurrently, Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote to Labour members, acknowledging public impatience for change and pledging to position Labour as the voice of progressive politics. Starmer recognised the urgency for more visible improvements, particularly on cost-of-living issues and opportunities for citizens.
"I get it: people are rightly impatient to see more of the change they voted for in 2024. It's my job to make sure that happens. And I'm working day in, day out to see it through," the Prime Minister stated. He outlined Labour's focus on appealing to the majority who reject both Green and Reform UK policies, aiming to solidify the party's role as a progressive vehicle for Britain.
Upcoming Spring Statement
Next week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to deliver the Spring Statement, which government sources indicate will not introduce new policies but will detail how citizens will experience cost-of-living impacts this year. The key message is expected to reinforce that the economy is on a positive trajectory, urging MPs to remain steadfast despite the by-election outcome.
Broader Party Reflections
Former Home Secretary David Blunkett also weighed in, urging the Prime Minister to craft a more compelling narrative about Labour's achievements. In a Sunday Mirror article, Blunkett noted that while the Greens can make expansive promises, only Labour holds the realistic prospect of governance.
He called for Starmer to translate individual policies into a cohesive story that resonates with voters, fostering hope and a "feel good" factor as economic indicators like inflation and interest rates improve.
This collective response underscores Labour's internal efforts to regroup and refocus after electoral setbacks, with Streeting's remarks highlighting a pivotal moment for the party's direction and public messaging.
