Allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting have launched a fierce defence against what they term "incredibly stupid" briefings, following reports that senior Cabinet ministers are urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to sack him for disloyalty.
Internal Pressure Mounts on Health Secretary
Senior figures within Number 10 are said to be pushing for Mr Streeting's removal from his post. The pressure, understood to stem from a briefing war originating in Downing Street, centres on the Health Secretary's public pronouncements and his perceived ambitions to eventually succeed Sir Keir as leader. One minister told The Times that the Prime Minister should learn from former Tory minister Kemi Badenoch, who sacked a shadow cabinet member for disloyalty, suggesting Mr Streeting was "undermining all of us" and "repeatedly breaching collective responsibility".
Streeting Allies Hit Back at 'Stupid' Timing
A spokesperson for Wes Streeting condemned the latest round of negative briefings. They described the timing as particularly foolish, given that Reform UK and the Conservatives are currently vying for dominance on the political right. The spokesperson shifted focus to the government's record, stating: “Wes is delivering real change in the NHS, and is out there making the case for Keir and for Labour.” They pointed to the second biggest fall in waiting lists in 15 years and faster ambulance response times as evidence of his effective work.
However, the internal criticism appears persistent. Two other Cabinet ministers reportedly told The Times they believe Mr Streeting is actively manoeuvring to become Prime Minister, with one noting: “Everything he’s doing now is in pursuit of that aim.”
A Pattern of Tensions and Denials
This is not the first public rift between the Health Secretary and Downing Street. In November, Mr Streeting hit out at a "toxic culture" in Number 10 after similar briefings accused him of plotting against the PM. He publicly called on Sir Keir to sack the sources of the "self-defeating" rumours.
The tensions come amid broader concerns about the Labour government's direction, slumping approval ratings, and a series of policy U-turns. Mr Streeting has previously voiced worries about the government's trajectory, and just this week, he advised ministers to make a New Year's resolution to "get it right first time". Furthermore, in December, Sir Keir was forced to dismiss suggestions of rejoining an EU customs union after Mr Streeting publicly praised the arrangement's "enormous economic benefits".
Despite the internal friction, a Number 10 source offered some support to the Health Secretary, telling The Times that Mr Streeting was doing a “great job as health secretary” and remained a “key player in the team”. The ongoing saga highlights the deepening splits within the top ranks of the Labour government as it navigates a challenging political landscape.
