‘I’ll be standing’: Streeting gears up to join leadership race

Former health secretary Wes Streeting has confirmed he will join any potential leadership race, as pressure piles on Starmer’s premiership.

Speaking to Sky News, Streeting spoke of his intention to join the race.

He said: “We need a proper contest with the best candidates on the field, and I’ll be standing.”

Streeting’s declaration follows days of speculation over whether Streeting would put himself forward for the top job after resigning from his position in cabinet.

The former health secretary posted a letter on X where he refers to last week’s local election results as “unprecedented – both in terms of the scale of the defeat and the consequences of that failure”.

He added there is “no doubt that the unpopularity of this government was a major and common factor” in the losses last week.

Facing Burnham

Streeting will most likely take on Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for the position in No 10, after he confirmed his intention to fight for a return to Westminster.

Burnham will run in the Makerfield by-election after MP Josh Simons said he would step down in order to allow Burnham to run.

Westminster was thrown into turmoil amid the resignations, which included Jess Phillips.

James Murray, MP for Ealing North, was appointed health secretary following Streeting’s resignation, while Lucy Rigby was appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

Rachel Blake was appointed City minister.