Supporters of Labour leader Prime Minister Keir Starmer are briefing that his health minister is ‘on manoeuvres’ for a leadership challenge. In contrast, Wes Streeting has repeatedly denied planning to oust his boss.
Streeting told Sky News
I’m not going in to demand the prime minister’s resignation,
(while adding he has supported Starmer since the latter became Labour leader). Streeting, 42, has long been considered a potential successor.
Despite catastrophic poll ratings, allies previously briefed that Starmer would fight any attempts at replacing him. The government’s popularity has spiralled downwards since he took office, with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK leading in many polls.
A leadership challenge would require 20% of Labour MPs’ support in parliament, or 80 nominations. Local elections in May 2026 could serve as the next major test for the government., triggering further party dissent.
As health minister, Streeting came out firmly against the prescription of so-called puberty blocker drugs to ‘trans’ children—while also attracting frequent hostility through his ‘nanny state’ interventions on adult consumer choices.
