Wes Streeting's resignation as health secretary has effectively ended Sir Keir Starmer's premiership, but the former minister faces an uphill battle to secure the Labour leadership himself. The move, long anticipated since Monday, finally materialised on Thursday, bringing a palpable sense of relief to Westminster.
NHS Target Achievement Precedes Resignation
Mr Streeting timed his departure to coincide with the announcement that the NHS had met its interim target of seeing 65% of patients within 18 weeks. This final success in his brief was a deliberate parting gesture. His resignation confirms he believes he has secured the backing of enough Labour MPs to mount a credible leadership challenge.
Leadership Contest Dynamics
The health secretary has not yet formally launched his bid, but his intentions are clear. The timing was crucial to pre-empt a potential return to parliament by Andy Burnham, the popular Greater Manchester mayor, whose allies were reportedly considering resigning seats to facilitate his candidacy. Sir Keir has vowed to fight the challenge, but faces a potential delegation of cabinet ministers urging him to step down.
Once Mr Streeting formally enters the race, other candidates are expected to follow. Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, now clear of her tax issues, emerges as the left-wing favourite. Bookmakers currently favour her due to Labour's membership and trade union voter composition. Energy secretary Ed Miliband, a former leader, may also seek a second chance, while defence minister Al Carns, a distinguished former Royal Marines commander, is reportedly ready to stand.
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood and foreign secretary Yvette Cooper are unlikely to run but their endorsements could prove decisive in securing MP nominations.
The Knife-Wielder's Curse
The irony is not lost on Mr Streeting, who has long sought to avoid being the one to wield the knife. The old adage that "the one to wield the knife shall never wear the crown" now hangs over his campaign. From Monday, when Chris Curtis, a Streeting ally, first called for Starmer's resignation, the cascade of demands from his supporters set the stage. The Independent revealed he was poised to launch his bid, and after four days of plotting, he finally acted.
Yet for all his bravado, victory remains uncertain. The path to the crown is fraught with competition from more unifying figures, and Mr Streeting may find himself the architect of change without reaping its rewards.
