Health Secretary Wes Streeting, considered a potential successor to Keir Starmer, faces significant challenges in winning over Labour Party members, according to a recent survey. The Compass poll of over 1,000 members found that only 11% would choose Streeting to succeed Starmer, compared to 42% for Andy Burnham. Streeting's favourability rating stood at 18%, far behind Burnham's 44%.
Streeting's soft-right credentials place him at a disadvantage within a party where approximately 48% of members identify as 'fairly leftwing,' according to Queen Mary University of London research. Both Burnham and other potential candidates like Angela Rayner and Ed Miliband are viewed more favourably by members, suggesting a preference for left-leaning leadership.
Since Starmer took over in 2020, Labour has lost over 200,000 members, dropping from 532,046 at the end of 2019 to 333,235 by the end of 2024. Many left to join the Greens or other parties, or became disengaged. Professor Tim Bale noted that Starmer's perceived betrayal of his 2020 pledges contributed to member disillusionment.
Despite these hurdles, Bale suggested Streeting could still win support by demonstrating electability. 'Party members also want to win elections,' he said, pointing to Starmer's 2020 victory over Rebecca Long-Bailey as evidence. 'If Streeting can show them he's the guy to do that, he still has a chance.'
