Wes Streeting has resigned as Britain’s health minister, deepening the political crisis surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer and intensifying speculation over a possible leadership battle within the ruling Labour Party.
Streeting, regarded as a leading figure on the right wing of Labour, announced his resignation on Thursday, saying he had lost confidence in Starmer’s leadership. Although he stopped short of officially declaring his intention to run for party leader, he called for the “best possible field of candidates” to emerge in any future contest to replace Starmer.
The resignation followed comments from former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, who confirmed she had resolved issues surrounding a tax matter that previously blocked her from entering a leadership race. Rayner, a popular figure among Labour grassroots supporters, stated she was ready to play any role necessary to deliver political ce.
Starmer, who led Labour to victory in the 2024 general election after 14 years of Conservative rule, is now battling growing unrest within his party following poor performances in recent local and regional elections. The polls saw major gains for the hard right Reform UK and the left leaning Green Party, while Labour also lost control of the Welsh parliament for the first time.
Streeting accused Starmer of lacking vision and argued that Labour needed open debate about its future direction before the next general election scheduled for 2029. His resignation makes him the most senior minister so far to publicly break ranks with the prime minister.
Despite mounting pressure, Starmer has insisted he will remain in office and continue leading the party. Several senior cabinet ministers, including Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, have urged Labour lawmakers to avoid further division that could deilize the government and the economy.
Political tensions within Labour continue to grow as party lawmakers remain divided over Starmer’s future and the possibility of a prolonged leadership contest.
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