UK ex-health minister says will run to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Former British health secretary Wes Streeting has announced he will run to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This comes as pressure mounts on Starmer's government following disastrous local election results for the Labour party. Streeting resigned from the government this week, stating he no longer had confidence in Starmer's leadership. He believes Labour entered government "unprepared" and "lacking clarity of vision." Streeting's announcement suggests a leadership contest is likely, and he has urged Starmer to set a timetable for his departure. If Starmer is replaced, the new Labour leader would automatically become prime minister due to the party's parliamentary majority.

Wes Streeting has confirmed he will run for Labour leader if Keir Starmer faces a leadership challenge. Speaking at a Progress think tank conference, Streeting called for a "proper contest" and criticized Starmer's leadership style as "heavy-handed" and stifling to policy debate. He argued Labour entered government "unprepared" and lacked "clarity of vision." Streeting also advocated for a "new special relationship" with the EU, suggesting a future return to the trade bloc, and described Brexit as a "catastrophic mistake." He believes a contest of ideas is necessary for the party's renewal and to strengthen the eventual winner.

Andy Burnham, the popular Mayor of Greater Manchester, is being considered by some as a potential savior for the embattled Labour Party, which is facing plummeting approval ratings and recent local election losses. However, Burnham is not currently a Member of Parliament and must first win a special election in the Makerfield constituency to re-enter the House of Commons. If successful, he could then challenge current Labour leader Keir Starmer. Burnham, known as the "King of the North," has a strong track record as mayor and is perceived as being to the left of Starmer. The upcoming Makerfield by-election is seen as a crucial test for Burnham, with the Reform UK party expected to heavily contest the seat.

Wes Streeting has resigned as Health Secretary and called for Keir Starmer to step down as Labour leader, stating it would be "dishonourable" to remain and advocating for a leadership contest. Streeting, a prominent figure on the party's right, is not immediately launching a direct challenge, suggesting he lacks the necessary MP nominations. His resignation follows a meeting with Starmer where he expressed a loss of confidence. Streeting criticized Starmer's leadership style and believes the party needs a broad debate about its future direction, potentially including candidates like Andy Burnham. Several of Streeting's ministerial allies have also resigned and called for Starmer's departure.

Labour health minister Wes Streeting resigned on Thursday, calling for a leadership contest to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This action follows disastrous local election results for the governing Labour Party, which have intensified pressure on Starmer. Streeting stated his resignation is due to the belief that Starmer will not lead the party into the next general election. His departure marks the first senior minister to publicly call for Starmer's removal amidst growing dissent within the party. The crisis comes less than two years after Starmer secured a significant majority with a promise of stability.

British Health Secretary Wes Streeting has resigned from the Labour government, citing a loss of confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. Streeting's resignation, announced on X, comes after significant pressure on Starmer following poor local election results. Streeting stated that Starmer would not lead Labour into the next general election and called for a broad debate on the party's future leadership. While Streeting's move intensifies pressure on Starmer, it does not formally trigger a leadership contest. This follows resignations from four junior ministers and calls for Starmer's departure from over 80 MPs.

Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, faces pressure to resign from over 80 Labour lawmakers who question his leadership and ability to win the next election. Despite this, Starmer intends to remain in his position as no formal leadership challenge has been initiated. If a new leader were to be chosen, Wes Streeting, the current health and social care minister, is considered a potential successor. Streeting, a centrist, has supported fiscal restraint and increased defense funding, and recently approved a significant pay rise for resident doctors. He has also distanced himself from his former association with Peter Mandelson.

Allies of Wes Streeting, the health secretary, claim he is preparing to resign and launch a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer as early as Thursday. This move reportedly stems from deep frustration with Starmer's leadership. While Downing Street insiders suggested Streeting lacked the necessary 81 MP signatures to formally enter a contest, sources close to Streeting believe he has secured sufficient support. Discussions are reportedly underway to gather the required numbers. Streeting held brief, uncommented-on talks with Starmer on Wednesday. Some allies of Starmer remain confident he will contest any challenge, while others express reservations about Streeting's prospects.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing significant pressure to resign following substantial losses in recent local elections and calls for his departure from nearly a quarter of his own MPs. Despite this, Starmer has vowed to continue governing and plans to implement reforms. He is scheduled to meet with Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary and a potential leadership rival, at Downing Street. This meeting precedes King Charles's speech opening parliament, where the government will outline its legislative agenda. The resignations of four junior ministers, including a Streeting ally, highlight the growing dissent within the party, with critics citing a perceived lack of progress and public confidence in Starmer's leadership.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing pressure to resign following significant Labour losses in recent local elections. The party lost over 1,460 council seats in England, with many going to the anti-immigration Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage. This marks the worst election results for a governing party in over three decades. Starmer, who led Labour to a landslide victory in July 2024, has refused to step down, calling his government a "10-year project" but acknowledging mistakes. Discontent has been growing over the past year, particularly regarding Starmer's perceived failure to address immigration. The article explores potential challengers to Starmer's leadership within the Labour Party.

Labour leader Keir Starmer is set to deliver a significant speech today, aiming to rally support from his MPs and avert a potential leadership challenge following recent election losses. The speech is being framed as a crucial moment for Starmer, with speculation of a leadership contest already underway, as Angela Rayner has also outlined her vision. Starmer intends to argue that incremental change is insufficient to address the nation's challenges, advocating for a more substantial response on issues like growth, defense, Europe, and energy. This address is seen as Starmer's attempt to demonstrate his leadership and convince the party of his direction, in contrast to historical instances where leaders faced and survived challenges, or were eventually replaced.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing significant pressure to resign following substantial losses for the Labour Party in recent local elections. The party surrendered hundreds of council seats across England and saw setbacks in Wales and Scotland, with a YouGov poll indicating public support for his resignation. Starmer is reportedly refusing to step down despite calls from over 70 Labour MPs and several parliamentary aides. Economic concerns, including rising borrowing costs and the failure to ease living expenses, are also contributing to the discontent. The appointment of Peter Mandelson, who has ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as ambassador to Washington has further complicated Starmer's position.

Keir Starmer faces a critical 24-hour period following poor local election results, with calls for his resignation mounting. Approximately 40 Labour MPs are reportedly demanding his departure or a timeline for it. Wes Streeting, a potential leadership contender, is understood to be preparing a bid should Starmer's position become untenable. Angela Rayner has also warned that the party's current direction is not working and requires significant change. Starmer was scheduled to deliver a speech on Monday outlining his vision for the country in an attempt to secure his leadership.

Labour MP Catherine West has put Prime Minister Keir Starmer "on notice," threatening to trigger a leadership challenge by Monday following significant local election losses for the Labour Party. West stated that if a Cabinet minister does not challenge Starmer by Monday, she will initiate a contest herself, suggesting a reshuffle within the Cabinet as her preferred option. To trigger a leadership contest, West would require the support of 20% of Labour MPs, which amounts to 81 members. She claims approximately 10 MPs are currently backing her effort, with confidence that more will join. The Labour Party experienced substantial losses in recent elections across the UK.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing calls for his resignation following significant losses for the Labour Party in recent local elections across England and legislative votes in Scotland and Wales. These election results, widely viewed as a referendum on Starmer's leadership, have prompted dozens of lawmakers to demand his ouster. Starmer plans to address the situation in a speech, aiming to outline a new direction for his government, but his position remains precarious. Rivals are reportedly considering their next steps, with one lawmaker threatening to trigger a leadership contest. The Labour Party has struggled with economic growth, public services, and the cost of living, compounded by policy U-turns and a controversial ambassadorial appointment. The recent elections saw Labour lose votes to both the Reform UK and Green parties, indicating a shift in the political landscape.

Following a significant local election defeat, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a leadership challenge. A former minister has stated she will run for the Labour Party leadership if no other candidate emerges, signaling growing discontent within the party. Labour experienced its worst municipal election losses since 1995, leading to increased calls for Starmer's resignation from his own lawmakers. In an effort to strengthen his position, Starmer appointed former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and former Deputy Labour Leader Harriet Harman as advisors earlier on Saturday. This situation highlights the pressure on Starmer's leadership after the recent electoral setback.

Following Labour's poor election results, MPs from the party's left are reportedly planning to ask Ed Miliband to consider a leadership bid. This comes as Keir Starmer faces potential challenges from within his party next week. Former minister Catherine West has stated she will launch a bid if no other cabinet ministers come forward by Monday, aiming to break an "impasse." While some MPs support Andy Burnham as a replacement, his return to Parliament is uncertain. Other potential candidates like Wes Streeting have had their ambitions denied by allies. The left-leaning MPs are reportedly concerned about a "Streeting coronation" and believe Angela Rayner lacks sufficient support, leading them to consider Miliband as an alternative.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces significant pressure to resign following substantial election losses for the Labour party across England, Wales, and Scotland. The party lost over 1,400 council seats in England and suffered defeats in devolved parliament elections, indicating a weakening of the traditional two-party system. Challengers including Reform UK, the Greens, and nationalist parties gained ground. Despite these setbacks, Starmer has stated he will continue as leader, though some MPs are calling for a departure timeline within months. Senior ministers publicly support Starmer, but internal concerns persist about his ability to regain public trust before the next national election in three years.

Following significant losses in recent elections across Britain, Labour leader Keir Starmer is facing pressure from senior MPs and unions to outline a departure plan. Labour experienced a near-wipeout in Wales, lost control of numerous councils in England, and saw gains for Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Despite calls for him to step down within a year, Starmer has stated he will not resign, warning it would plunge the party into chaos. He plans to deliver a speech next week to present a more optimistic vision. The election results indicate a substantial shift in British politics, with Reform UK making considerable gains.

Reform UK has achieved significant gains in England's local council elections, taking hundreds of seats from the Labour Party. The populist right-wing party, led by Nigel Farage, has secured over 500 seats and four councils, with Farage stating Labour is being "wiped out" in traditional areas. This outcome represents a major setback for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party, who have lost approximately 300 councillors. These local election results, held on May 8, 2026, are seen as a potential springboard for Reform UK's challenge in the next UK general election, expected by 2029. Experts suggest Reform UK's success in local government will be crucial in demonstrating their ability to govern and will likely intensify internal pressure on Starmer's leadership.

Keir Starmer has vowed to continue as leader of the UK Labour Party despite significant losses in recent local elections. The results, which occurred on Friday, May 8, 2026, saw Labour punished by voters in traditional strongholds, particularly in central and northern England. The populist Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, emerged as a major beneficiary, gaining over 350 council seats in England and potentially becoming the main opposition in Scotland and Wales. These local election drubbings have intensified doubts about Starmer's ability to govern, though he remains defiant in his commitment to delivering change for Britain.

Labour leader Keir Starmer is making a last-minute appeal to voters considering the Green Party or Reform UK in England's local elections. Facing potential record losses, Starmer argued that these parties are unfit to lead during global instability and that only Labour prioritizes the national interest. He contrasted Labour's promise of progress with the "anger and division" of Reform and the "empty promises" of the Greens. Significant seat losses in these elections could pose an existential threat to Starmer's leadership. Labour hopes to mitigate negative perceptions by highlighting early gains in London, but is expected to face losses in historically Labour areas to Reform and also anticipates setbacks in Scottish and Welsh elections.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party faces significant local and devolved elections on Thursday, potentially marking a sharp setback after two years in power. Analysts predict Labour could experience its worst results in decades due to policy shifts and controversies, with gains expected for Reform UK on the right and the Green Party on the left. In Wales, Plaid Cymru is also polling strongly, challenging Labour's long-standing dominance. These elections are seen as a crucial indicator of the UK's increasingly fragmented political landscape, moving beyond typical local issues to reflect national sentiment. The first-past-the-post voting system, traditionally favoring two-party contests, is now being tested by a multi-party environment where votes are more dispersed.