Allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting are increasingly confident that he commands the solid support of almost half of Labour's 404 Members of Parliament, positioning him as a potential challenger to Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership. This development emerges as Prime Minister Starmer faces internal party tensions, notably fending off an attempt by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to return to Westminster, widely interpreted as a prelude to a broader challenge for power.
Leadership Ambitions and Parliamentary Backing
Mr Streeting has been relatively open about his long-term aspiration to become Prime Minister, with speculation linking him to a leadership challenge should Labour perform poorly in the upcoming local elections in May. According to parliamentary rules, a challenger requires the backing of one-fifth of Labour MPs to mount a formal bid. Supporters of the Health Secretary assert that he has already secured the support of approximately 200 MPs, significantly exceeding this threshold and indicating substantial discontent within the parliamentary party.
Burnham's Blocked Bid and Its Implications
In a related move, Andy Burnham applied to contest the Gorton and Denton by-election, having reportedly garnered the backing of over 100 Labour MPs. However, Labour's National Executive Committee, dominated by Starmer loyalists, voted decisively to block Mr Burnham from standing. This decision was ostensibly based on the financial costs associated with electing a new mayor to replace him, but it is widely seen as a strategic manoeuvre to thwart a potential leadership rival.
Before this ruling, a Streeting ally suggested to the Sunday Times that Mr Burnham winning the seat could be very good for Wes, as it would open up the leadership contest and provide a fellow challenger, making Streeting's bid less isolated. The ally emphasised that the key question within the party is not whether to replace Starmer, but how to do so, and Burnham's involvement could clarify this process.
Internal Divisions and Cultural Criticisms
Despite some viewing Burnham's potential candidacy as beneficial, another supporter cautioned that it might complicate Streeting's efforts by amplifying an anti-London sentiment that could hinder the Health Secretary, whose constituency is Ilford North in east London. This reflects deeper regional and ideological rifts within Labour.
Yesterday, Mr Streeting called for a change in party culture, criticising anonymous briefings against Mr Burnham. Speaking at the Fabian Society's conference, he condemned the disgraceful treatment of Burnham, who he described as a valued part of the Labour movement, and urged for more respectful and transparent internal discussions.
Starmer's Response and Party Civil War
Sir Keir Starmer and his allies have intensified Labour's internal conflicts by blocking Mr Burnham's return to Westminster. The NEC's 8-1 vote against allowing the mayor to stand in the by-election underscores the deepening civil war within the party. Mr Burnham, who has fuelled speculation for months about his desire to challenge Starmer for leadership, sought to quit his mayoral role early to contest the seat vacated by former minister Andrew Gwynne, but this plea was heavily rejected.
This situation highlights the ongoing power struggles and strategic manoeuvring within Labour, as key figures like Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham position themselves amid growing dissatisfaction with the current leadership. The coming months, particularly around the local elections, are likely to be critical in determining the party's future direction and unity.
