Streeting's Leadership Ambitions Remain Active Despite Public Unity Display
Health Secretary Wes Streeting continues to prepare for a potential leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to MPs close to him, despite public demonstrations of unity this week. The Guardian has learned that allies expect Streeting to attempt to depose Starmer within weeks, contradicting the health secretary's public statements of support.
Unity Performance Masks Underlying Tensions
On Tuesday, Starmer sought to reassert authority over his party following a turbulent period that saw Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar call for his resignation and the departure of his communications director. The prime minister declared he would "never walk away" from his mandate to change the UK, receiving public backing from both Streeting and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
However, MPs aligned with Streeting insist his leadership ambitions remain unchanged. "Nothing has changed," one MP revealed. "There was a big performance of unity yesterday but Keir is no safer than he was yesterday." Another added that Streeting would need to act quickly after the May local elections to preempt a potential challenge from rival Angela Rayner, who awaits the outcome of a property tax investigation.
Critical Timing and Political Calculations
MPs close to the health secretary indicate he plans to challenge Starmer soon after the Gorton and Denton byelection later this month, with the May local elections serving as the latest possible deadline. "We need to act quickly," one ally emphasized. "There is a big risk that we meander and end up in this tepid decline where we all make ourselves feel better but a Reform government becomes inevitable."
The same source claimed Streeting has sufficient support but requires greater determination from colleagues. "At this point Keir is a zombie. He is in the Theresa May phase of his leadership," they added, referencing the former prime minister's weakened position before her resignation.
Public Perception and Electoral Pressures
Another Labour backbencher highlighted growing concerns about Starmer's public standing. "The reality is the public does not like or trust Keir Starmer. Once we have the results of the local elections, it will become unavoidably clear that something bigger needs to change."
These private comments starkly contrast with Streeting's public statements. The health secretary told the BBC: "The prime minister has got my full support. He is leading our country through an enormous set of challenges and people have got to recognise the integrity with which he does that."
Cabinet Discussions and Private Meetings
Starmer chaired an extensive cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning where ministers engaged in what one source described as a "frank and broad" discussion about leadership difficulties. A cabinet insider noted afterwards: "We think Keir should remain in place but the culture in No 10 has to change completely and the briefings against colleagues need to stop."
Following this meeting, Streeting and Starmer held a private one-on-one discussion intended to clear the air between them. Meanwhile, Burnham offered his support at a London event while suggesting the government should demonstrate greater ambition, particularly regarding housing policy.
Coordination Questions and Historical Parallels
Government officials continue investigating whether any coordination occurred between Streeting and Sarwar, whose resignation call triggered the current crisis. One senior minister suggested: "There were junior ministers and PPSs ready to go. It went off half cocked. There was a plan, it just didn't work."
A Downing Street source drew comparisons to former minister James Purnell's 2009 resignation under Gordon Brown, which failed to spark the expected leadership challenge from David Miliband. "Wes just did not move, this all feels very James Purnell," they observed.
Alternative Perspectives and Timeline Analysis
Others dismiss coordination theories, noting Streeting had scheduled the release of his text messages with Peter Mandelson for Monday, making simultaneous coup attempts impractical. Allies point out that during Sarwar's statement, Streeting was giving a Sky News interview supporting Starmer.
"Before Anas Sarwar made his statement, Wes told Sky News that Keir needs to be given a chance and shouldn't resign," one ally explained. "I'm afraid the conspiracy theory doesn't fit the timeline of events."
A minister added: "No 10 seems to have an obsession with Wes. People are saying that he bottled it without any evidence he was going for it. Wes is a smart political operator who would have known that if you get out and call for the PM to go and don't have a plan and outriders come in behind you, it would fall flat."
Electoral Outcomes Determine Leadership Future
MPs believe Starmer's political survival hinges on upcoming electoral results. "Keir is there but he can't stay for long," one noted. "His name keeps coming up on the doorstep – people hate him. They didn't fully trust him before the election and they definitely don't after [his decision to cut] winter fuel payments."
The Gorton and Denton byelection results, followed by May's local elections, will likely determine whether Streeting proceeds with his leadership challenge or whether Starmer manages to consolidate his position despite mounting internal pressures and public skepticism.
