Health Secretary Wes Streeting is reportedly preparing to resign and trigger a leadership contest as early as tomorrow, following a brief but tense meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street.
Showdown at Number 10
According to reports, Streeting confronted Starmer over the ongoing chaos within the Labour Party during their meeting. The encounter lasted only a short time, after which Streeting left Number 10 without making any public statement. The Times has reported that Streeting told allies he is 'going to go for it' after the meeting, indicating his intention to challenge for the party leadership.
Timing and Reactions
Despite his team's insistence on not distracting from the King's Speech, Streeting is expected to formally initiate a contest later this week. The King's Speech, which outlines the government's legislative agenda, is a key parliamentary event, and any resignation would overshadow it. Starmer left Number 10 shortly after the meeting to attend Parliament for the King's Speech.
The potential resignation has sent shockwaves through Westminster, with many Labour MPs expressing concern about the party's stability. Streeting, a prominent figure in the party, has been a vocal critic of Starmer's leadership in recent months, particularly over policy direction and electoral strategy.
What Happens Next?
If Streeting resigns, he would trigger a leadership contest that could further divide the Labour Party. The process would involve nominations from MPs and a vote by party members. Streeting is seen as a centrist figure, appealing to both moderate and some left-wing factions, but his challenge would likely face strong opposition from Starmer loyalists.
Political analysts suggest that a leadership contest could be damaging for Labour, especially with the next general election on the horizon. However, Streeting's supporters argue that a change at the top is necessary to revitalise the party and improve its chances at the polls.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Streeting and Starmer in the coming days. The King's Speech may provide a temporary distraction, but the underlying tensions within the Labour Party are unlikely to dissipate quickly.
