Britain’s political crisis deepened on Thursday after Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, fueling speculation about a looming leadership battle within the ruling Labour Party.
In his resignation letter, Streeting said he had “lost confidence” in Starmer’s leadership and argued that Labour needed a broader conversation about its future.
His departure marks the most significant resignation yet from Starmer’s cabinet and comes amid growing unrest within the party.
Starmer is facing serious and increasing calls to quit following Labour’s disappointing performance in recent local and regional elections, where the party lost ground to Reform UK, the Greens, and the Scottish National Party.
Reports indicate that more than 80 Labour MPs have urged the prime minister to step aside, while several junior ministers have already resigned in protest.
Despite the mounting pressure, Starmer has vowed to remain in office, insisting he will fight any attempt to remove him as party leader.
The crisis has also reignited discussions about possible successors, with former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham emerging as prominent names among party members.
Rayner recently stated she was ready to play “whatever role” necessary to help Labour recover, while Streeting’s supporters see him as a strong candidate from the party’s moderate wing.
As internal divisions continue to widen, political analysts say the coming weeks could prove decisive for Starmer’s leadership and the future direction of the Labour government.
