Health Secretary Wes Streeting has refuted allegations suggesting he seeks to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership, denouncing them as 'self-defeating nonsense.' Streeting has urged Starmer to dismiss those responsible for spreading rumors to the media. On Tuesday, reports emerged from Starmer’s allies expressing suspicion of Streeting's leadership ambitions. However, speaking to the BBC, Streeting affirmed his loyalty to Starmer, stating he saw no situation where he would undermine the Prime Minister.
Streeting humorously dismissed the briefings against him as comparable to the final scenes of 'The Traitors,' urging the instigators to watch 'Countryfile' instead. He emphasized, during a media round dominated by these rumors, that he is not challenging Starmer, labeling the briefings as baseless gossip. Streeting criticized the toxic culture purportedly existing within No 10 and supported Deputy Leader Lucy Powell's call for a cultural shift in Downing Street. He remarked, 'At least this time, the accuser targeted a man in the cabinet instead of women.'
When asked if the perpetrators should be dismissed, Streeting agreed, noting, 'Yes. However, finding them shouldn't detract significantly from more pressing duties.' Speculation about leadership contenders includes significant figures such as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. Allies of Starmer have dismissed the prospect of a leadership contest, arguing it would destabilize both the party and international relations, including the bond with President Trump.
Jo White MP, Chair of the Red Wall Labour backbench group, decried the timing of these rumors, stating, 'This is neither the time nor the place for such briefings.' Despite Labour's landslide victory in the July 2024 general election, Starmer has faced troubles in office, with deteriorating popularity in opinion polls. The upcoming devolved elections in Scotland and Wales, alongside local elections in England, are seen as possible turning points, with some MPs expressing concern over potential losses.