Former UK health chief takes on Starmer, joins race for prime minister
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (photo: Getty Images)
Former UK health minister Wes Streeting will run for leader of the Labor Party. He is prepared to challenge current Prime Minister Keir Starmer if an internal party leadership election is triggered, according to Reuters.
Streeting's statement details
The former minister confirmed his leadership ambitions at the annual conference of the Progress group of Labor supporters who represent the party's modernizing wing.
His announcement came days after he resigned from his cabinet position and called on Starmer to set out a clear timetable for his own resignation.
"We need a proper contest with the best candidates on the field, and I will be standing," Streeting said.
Beyond internal party issues, the politician sharply criticized Brexit, calling the UK's exit from the EU a "catastrophic mistake" that made the country its weakest since before the Industrial Revolution.
Streeting believes London should seek to rejoin the bloc and build a new special relationship with Europe.
Who else races
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's position has significantly weakened. In addition to Streeting, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has also hinted at leadership ambitions.
He announced plans to run for a recently vacated parliamentary seat, which is a legal prerequisite for any future leadership contest.
Under Labor Party rules, any leadership challenge requires candidates to secure the formal backing of at least 20% of their party's MPs to trigger a contest.
UK government sees crisis
Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would not step aside. He took full responsibility for Labor's heavy defeat in local elections but vowed to continue in office despite falling UK government bond prices and growing internal pressure.
The political crisis later escalated, with some officials openly opposing the prime minister. In particular, six ministers reportedly coordinated efforts to formally demand his resignation over poor election results.
The situation developed into an open cabinet rebellion, as top officials began resigning. Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned, publicly stating he had lost confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer, effectively triggering a major internal split within the Labor Party.
