In a speech in London on Tuesday, Wes Streeting argued for a ‘progressive capitalist’ approach. The former health secretary, who quit the cabinet last month, said he would be prepared to challenge Keir Starmer and spark a Labour leadership contest as early as next week.
Streeting's Call for Change
Streeting stated that “uncertainty and paralysis” must end and that he would give the prime minister at least the weekend to consider stepping down. His intervention comes as voters in Makerfield prepare for a byelection on Thursday, which Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, hopes to use as a springboard back into parliament ahead of a leadership bid. Polls show Burnham leading Reform UK in the constituency.
Leadership Contest Dynamics
While Burnham aims to replace Starmer as prime minister, his supporters are skeptical of Streeting’s bullishness and doubt whether he has the backing of the 81 Labour MPs needed to trigger a contest. When asked on BBC Two’s Newsnight if he would trigger a contest if Burnham wins, Streeting said: “I think the prime minister should be given some space and time to reflect over the weekend and I think we should see where we are then.”
He added: “I would prefer the prime minister to take a decision on his own terms rather than leave it for me or Andy or anyone else to trigger a contest. If not, we can’t carry on with this uncertainty and paralysis and there will need to be a contest and I would be prepared to do that.”
Streeting's Position
Streeting held back on issuing the warning during his Tuesday speech, where he advocated for a “progressive capitalist” approach. He insisted he has the support of 81 Labour MPs and warned potential opponents that Labour members can “smell inauthenticity” in those who “tack left, adopt one position one day and another position another day.”
Starmer's Response
Starmer, currently in France at the G7, would automatically be a candidate in any Labour leadership contest. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds declined to comment on whether a challenge would begin next week, telling Sky News: “I’m not Nostradamus.” He highlighted recent government achievements, including a social media ban for under-16s and £1.3bn in investment from the G7, creating over 1,400 jobs.
