Wes Streeting is reportedly expected to launch a leadership bid against Sir Keir Starmer on Tuesday, according to Labour sources. The move comes as more than 60 Labour MPs from across different factions of the party are now openly calling for a change in leadership following disappointing local election results.
Ministerial Aides Resign
Several allies of Wes Streeting, including his parliamentary private secretary Joe Morris, along with Sally Jamieson and Tom Rutland, resigned from their junior government roles on Monday. In their resignation letters, they urged Sir Keir Starmer to step down, citing a loss of public confidence in his leadership.
Starmer Responds to Pressure
Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the "tough" local election outcomes, stating the party needs to "be better and do better." He faces increasing pressure from within his own party to resign or announce a clear timeline for his departure. Prominent Labour MPs, including Naushabah Khan, Joe Morris, Tom Rutland, and Lorraine Beavers, alongside the socially conservative Blue Labour faction, have publicly demanded new leadership and a clear timetable for Sir Keir's exit.
The leadership challenge, if it materialises, would mark a significant escalation in internal party tensions. Streeting, the shadow health secretary, is seen as a centrist figure who could unite different wings of the party. However, his bid is not guaranteed to succeed, as Starmer retains support among some MPs and the broader party membership.
