Wes Streeting insists he can win Labour leadership race despite ‘underdog’ status

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.

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.

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.

The British pound is experiencing its worst week in 18 months, falling to a five-week low against the US dollar. This decline is attributed to City traders anticipating a potential leadership challenge to Labour leader Keir Starmer from Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Burnham's announcement of his intention to run for parliament has fueled market concerns that his premiership might lead to looser fiscal policies and increased government borrowing. UK government borrowing costs have also risen sharply, with 10-year bond yields reaching their highest level since 2008. These market reactions suggest investor apprehension regarding Burnham's fiscal views and their potential impact on the UK's financial stability.

Long-term UK borrowing costs have reached their highest point since May 1998, with 30-year government bond yields hitting 5.794%. This surge, alongside a falling pound and stock market, is attributed to investor uncertainty surrounding potential leadership changes within the Labour party. Following significant election losses, a minister resigned urging Keir Starmer to quit, though Starmer stated the leadership challenge process had not been triggered. Markets are concerned that any successor might prioritize increased public spending, potentially impacting fiscal rigour and inflation. The benchmark 10-year gilt yield also rose, and the pound weakened against the dollar and euro.

Keir Starmer has vowed to continue as leader of the Labour Party despite significant losses in recent local elections, with many seats falling to Reform UK. The results, described as "tough" by Starmer, saw Labour lose control of councils in its traditional heartlands in northern England and the Midlands. Some Labour MPs have called for Starmer's resignation, citing the poor performance. Starmer acknowledged the results reflect voter dissatisfaction with the pace of change and stated he would not resign, taking responsibility for the losses. Despite setbacks, Labour showed resilience in some London boroughs, though it lost control of Wandsworth and Westminster. The election outcomes suggest a decline in the traditional two-party system and a rise in Reform UK's popularity.

Early results from UK local elections indicate significant losses for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party, with Nigel Farage's Reform UK making unexpected gains, particularly in traditional Labour heartlands. By Friday morning, Labour had lost over 258 seats, while Reform UK secured 382. These elections are viewed as a critical test of Starmer's leadership, as Labour trails Reform UK in recent opinion polls. Starmer acknowledged the tough results and took responsibility but stated his resolve to deliver promised change. Major losses for Labour have occurred in "Red Wall" constituencies, areas historically loyal to the party. Reform UK's early successes include wins in Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region, challenging Labour's long-standing dominance in these areas.

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.

European election monitors from the Council of Europe have reported instances of voters being turned away from polling stations in England due to confusion over new photo ID requirements. While not considered widespread, these incidents were noted by the 17-member delegation observing local elections in England, as well as government elections in Scotland and Wales. The observers, comprising politicians from various European states, are assessing issues including polling station organization, staff training, accessibility, and any potential harassment or interference. Their findings will be detailed in a report to be published on Friday, with the observation mission also touching upon broader concerns of foreign interference in democratic processes.