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.

Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party is facing significant pressure following substantial losses in recent local elections. Dozens of his own lawmakers, including several ministerial aides who resigned, are publicly calling for him to set a departure timetable or resign. Reports indicate that some senior cabinet ministers have also urged Starmer to announce a plan for his exit. While a formal leadership contest has not yet been triggered, the widespread dissent among his party members suggests a serious challenge to his position. The calls for his departure stem from the party's poor performance in the local elections, with Starmer's appeal for more time seemingly unheeded by a significant portion of the parliamentary party.

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.

Online safety campaigners have expressed frustration with Keir Starmer's perceived lack of leadership on blocking child abuse images on children's phones. This sentiment was highlighted following Jess Phillips' resignation from government, where she cited stalled progress on this issue. Campaigners, including the Internet Watch Foundation, have been advocating for tech companies to implement technology that prevents children from taking or sending naked images. They believe this measure, which they presented over a year ago, could significantly reduce the creation of child sexual abuse material at its source. Despite the urgency, progress has been slow, with the government's violence against women and girls strategy only promising collaboration with tech companies rather than mandatory legislation. Recent data shows a significant increase in self-generated imagery within reported child sexual abuse cases.