As Sir Keir Starmer's government navigates a series of escalating crises, one figure is increasingly prominent in conversations about the party's future: Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The minister is now widely seen as a potential successor to the current Prime Minister, a speculation he has done little to dismiss.
A Rising Star in a Troubled Government
Streeting's political ascent has been marked by ambition. Tipped as a future prime minister since his days leading the National Union of Students, he has consistently refused to rule out leadership ambitions. This week, his position appeared significantly strengthened following a botched 'hit job' from Downing Street sources aimed at curtailing his rise.
His growing influence was starkly demonstrated today. After Chancellor Rachel Reeves abruptly abandoned her controversial plans to raise income tax in the upcoming Budget, Streeting effectively claimed victory. He publicly declared that he had not supported the fiscal move, a bold statement that highlighted his independence and mounting confidence within the party.
Confrontation and Controversy
Not one to shy away from a fight, the 42-year-old Health Secretary also launched a fierce attack on junior doctors. He labelled their decision to proceed with strike action as 'extremely irresponsible', despite them having received a 28.9 per cent pay rise over three years. This hardline stance is likely calculated to appeal to certain voter segments and solidify his reputation as a decisive figure.
The political manoeuvring raises a pivotal question for the Labour party and the public. With Sir Keir's leadership facing constant challenges, could Wes Streeting offer a better alternative? The Daily Mail is asking readers to weigh in on this very issue in our latest poll.
Your Voice Matters
In yesterday's poll, Mail readers were overwhelmingly decisive. When asked 'Should Donald Trump release all the Epstein Files?', an astounding 94% of the more than 7,000 respondents voted 'yes', with only 6% saying 'no'. Now, we want to know your opinion on the future of the Labour leadership. Do you believe Wes Streeting would make a better prime minister than Sir Keir Starmer? Cast your vote and make your view count.
