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.

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.

Early results from UK local and regional elections show the ruling Labour Party has suffered significant losses, with the anti-immigration Reform UK party emerging as a major beneficiary. Reform UK has gained hundreds of council seats, particularly in traditional Labour heartlands, while the Conservative Party has also experienced substantial seat losses. These elections, held across England, Scotland, and Wales, are seen as a key indicator of public sentiment ahead of the next general election in 2029. The results suggest deep voter dissatisfaction with the current government, raising questions about Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. The Green Party has also seen gains in council seats.

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.