Health Secretary Wes Streeting is set for high-stakes talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer tomorrow, amid escalating tensions within the Labour Party. Streeting has openly prepared for a potential leadership bid, with a shadow team already in place, but has signalled reluctance to directly challenge Starmer despite mounting pressure from allies.
The Ilford North MP was granted a meeting this morning, ahead of the King's State Opening of Parliament, after being snubbed when he attempted to speak with the PM following Tuesday's Cabinet session. Allies indicated that Streeting planned to discuss the 'turbulence' gripping the party and seek a strategy to 'get us out of this mess'. However, reports suggest he may use the meeting to rally behind Starmer, temporarily quelling leadership speculation.
The Guardian cited 'very senior Labour sources' suggesting Streeting would ultimately 'climb down, though talk candidly about the issues'. Sources added that he would maintain discretion after the meeting to avoid distracting from the King's Speech.
Cabinet Tensions and Resignations
Starmer had refused to meet with his Health Secretary yesterday, despite asking Cabinet members to refrain from discussing his leadership around the No 10 table and to speak with him individually instead. Streeting was among the last to leave Downing Street, having waited for a conversation that never materialised.
Resignations continued today, including from Streeting's allies, fuelling speculation of an imminent leadership challenge. Among those who quit were housing minister Miatta Fahnbulleh, home office minister Jess Phillips, health minister Zubir Ahmed, and justice minister Alex Davies-Jones. Joe Morris, Streeting's parliamentary private secretary, resigned on Monday evening, calling for a 'swift' exit by the PM—a scenario that would benefit Streeting, as rivals Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner face obstacles.
Supportive MPs, including Chris Curtis, co-chair of the Labour Growth Group, and neighbouring MP Jas Athwal, have also called for Starmer's resignation. Streeting's team insists these MPs acted independently, not at his behest.
Leadership Contest Dynamics
As the number of MPs urging Starmer to step down grows, pressure mounts on Streeting to launch a formal leadership bid. However, he faces significant challenges from the party's Left wing, which favours Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Left-wing MPs have vowed to block any attempt to install Streeting as leader, with one source accusing him of trying to 'stitch up' the contest and warning he would be 'lucky to outlast a lettuce'.
John McDonnell branded Streeting 'Mandelson's protege', while Richard Burgon described his actions as a 'palace coup'. If Streeting holds back, he risks losing momentum, allowing Burnham time to plot a return to Westminster.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle suggested Streeting is not planning an immediate leadership contest, noting they recently watched The Devil Wears Prada 2 together before the local elections.
