Streeting meets Starmer in brief Downing Street encounter ahead of King’s Speech

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting met Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street on 13 May 2026 for a discussion lasting approximately 17 minutes. The encounter took place shortly before King Charles delivered the State Opening of Parliament, during which the government outlined its legislative programme for the coming year. Streeting arrived at the Prime Minister’s residence at 08:24 and departed at 08:41.

The meeting occurred against a backdrop of significant internal pressure within the Labour Party. More than 80 Labour MPs, representing nearly a quarter of the party’s elected members, have publicly called for Starmer to step down following heavy losses in recent local elections. Despite this unrest and calls from some allies for Starmer’s resignation, Streeting had not yet launched a formal leadership challenge at the time of the meeting.

Downing Street sources suggested that Starmer challenged Streeting to act, while implying that the Health Secretary may have lacked the necessary support to win a leadership contest. Reports indicate that Streeting intended to ask Starmer how he planned to “get us out of this mess,” while Starmer reportedly did not provide a long or collegiate response.

A formal leadership challenge requires the support of 81 Labour MPs to trigger an election. Streeting is viewed as a potential rival from the right of the party, with former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner seen as a contender from the left. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is also mentioned as a potential candidate, though he is currently ineligible.

Streeting’s allies have indicated they will not brief on the contents of the meeting until after the King’s Speech, citing respect for King Charles. The King’s Speech was delivered at Westminster around 11:30 am, setting out the government’s legislative agenda before MPs began their debate on the speech in the afternoon.