UK ex-health minister says will run to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer | Politics News
Pressure Grows on Starmer as Rivals Emerge
Published on May 16, 2026
Wes Streeting, the former British health secretary who resigned earlier this week, has announced his intention to seek the leadership of the Labour Party in the event of a contest. His departure from the government follows disappointing results for Labour in recent local elections, prompting mounting pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
While Starmer has continued to dismiss calls for his resignation, the likelihood of a leadership challenge has become increasingly apparent. Streeting confirmed his candidacy during a think tank event in London on Saturday, stating, “We need a proper contest with the best candidates on the field, and I’ll be standing.” He urged Starmer to establish a timeline for his exit.
Leadership of the governing Labour Party will inherently position the new leader as Prime Minister, given the party’s significant majority in Parliament.
Streeting, who had expressed dissatisfaction with Starmer’s leadership, cited a lack of preparedness and clarity as key issues facing the government. He recently expressed his support for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, believed to be a strong contender for the leadership role. On social media platform X, Streeting stated, “There is no doubt that Andy Burnham is one of them. Andy is the best chance of winning, and that should override factional advantage or propping up one person.”
Streeting’s resignation was motivated by his loss of confidence in Starmer’s leadership. His departure adds to a growing list of dissent within the party, which has seen over 80 MPs calling for Starmer to step down, along with four junior ministers resigning. Many Labour politicians appear to be coalescing around Burnham as a viable alternative.
In a significant political maneuver, Labour MP Josh Simons resigned from his seat in Makerfield to facilitate Burnham’s potential return to Parliament, a necessary step for any leadership challenge. The Makerfield by-election, expected next month, may serve as a turning point in determining Labour’s future leadership.
In order to challenge Starmer, Burnham would need the support of 81 Labour MPs, amounting to 20 percent of the party’s representation in Parliament. In addition, Angela Rayner, another potential contender, announced on Thursday that tax authorities had cleared her from scrutiny regarding her financial affairs, addressing concerns that could have complicated her leadership bid.
Starmer’s term has been marred by controversies, including the contentious appointment of Jeffrey Epstein associate Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington, and frustrations over sluggish domestic policy changes. As calls for change intensify, the internal dynamics of the Labour Party face significant scrutiny.
