Wes Streeting resigned as Britain’s health secretary on Thursday, deepening the political crisis facing Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid growing unrest within the ruling Labour Party.
Streeting, regarded as a leading figure on the party’s right, stopped short of formally declaring a leadership bid but called for the “best possible field of candidates” to contest any future race to succeed Starmer.
His resignation followed renewed pressure on Starmer after Labour’s poor performance in recent local and regional elections, which saw gains for the hard-right Reform UK and the Green Party.
In a resignation letter posted on X, Streeting said he had “lost confidence” in Starmer’s leadership and argued that the prime minister would not lead Labour into the next general election scheduled for 2029.
He accused Starmer of lacking vision and said the party needed a broader debate about its future direction.
The crisis intensified after former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner indicated she had resolved legal issues that could have prevented her from participating in a future leadership contest.
Rayner, a prominent figure on Labour’s left wing, said she would support efforts to deliver political change but stopped short of openly calling for Starmer’s resignation.
Starmer, who led Labour to victory in the 2024 general election after 14 years of Conservative rule, has faced mounting criticism over his leadership and a series of controversial appointments, including that of former Jeffrey Epstein associate Peter Mandelson as U.S. envoy.
The prime minister has resisted calls to step down, insisting he would continue leading the government and “prove doubters wrong.”
While several cabinet ministers, including Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, have publicly backed Starmer, divisions within Labour have deepened, with more than 80 MPs reportedly urging him to resign.
Potential contenders for the leadership are also said to include Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, although he currently lacks a seat in parliament required to contest under party rules.
