Wes Streeting quits as UK Health Secretary, paving the way for challenge against PM Keir Starmer

Wes Streeting resigned as UK Health Secretary, citing lost confidence in Keir Starmer and opening the door to a possible Labour leadership challenge.

Streeting resigned from government on Thursday, saying he had lost confidence in Mr Starmer’s leadership.. “It is now clear that you will not lead the Labour Party into the next general election and that Labour MPs and Labour Unions want the debate about what comes next to be a battle of ideas, not of personalities or petty factionalism,” Streeting said in a letter published on X.. “It needs to be broad, and it needs the

best possible field of candidates.. I support that approach and I hope that you will facilitate this.” Mr Starmer previously told his remaining supporters he will fight any challenge.. But it was reported that as many as five other ministers, all allies of Mr Streeting, are on a resignation watchlist to deliver a further blow to their embattled leader, joining the four who quit on Tuesday.. News in 90 seconds – Thursday, May 14 Supporters

of defence minister Al Carns, who is thought to be eyeing his own leadership bid, suggested he may quit if the health secretary goes and declares for the contest.. Along with Mr Streeting, supporters of energy secretary Ed Miliband, who was defeated as Labour leader in 2015, say he now has the numbers to launch a bid, while former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner could also challenge, despite facing questions over her tax affairs.. There

were also fresh reports that Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham may have found a seat to run in with the hope he could return as a potential leadership candidate.. More to follow…

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