Wes Streeting Allies Say He May Launch Challenge Against Keir Starmer As Soon As Tomorrow
Wes Streeting Allies Say He May Launch Challenge Against Keir Starmer as Soon as Tomorrow Allies of UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting have they expect him to resign and mount a Labour leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer as early as tomorrow, marking a dramatic escalation in the party’s internal crisis. According to reports, Streeting is preparing to step down from his role in government before formally entering the race for leadership, amid growing tension within Labour’s top ranks ahead of and following the King’s Speech. The speculation follows a brief and tense meeting between Streeting and Starmer at Downing Street on Wednesday, which lasted under 20 minutes and took place during a day of heightened political uncertainty in Westminster. Streeting’s allies believe he has now gathered enough support from Labour MPs to trigger a leadership contest under party rules, which require backing from at least 81 MPs. However, Starmer’s supporters insist that no challenger has yet secured the required numbers, suggesting a contest may not immediately materialise.
The reported move comes amid wider instability in the Labour Party, with multiple ministers resigning recently and dozens of MPs expressing dissatisfaction with Starmer’s leadership direction. Internal divisions have intensified following local election setbacks and growing pressure from unions and party factions calling for change. Despite the mounting speculation, Streeting has not publicly confirmed his intentions, and Downing Street continues to project confidence that Starmer will remain in office and resist any leadership challenge. If confirmed, a formal challenge by Streeting would mark one of the most significant leadership battles within the Labour Party in recent years, potentially reshaping the UK’s political landscape.
