Streeting prepares leadership challenge as Labour fractures over Starmer’s authority
Internal tensions within the Labour Party have escalated following reports that Wes Streeting intends to resign and mount a formal leadership bid against Prime Minister Keir Starmer as early as Thursday.
Allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting have indicated that he is preparing to resign from his cabinet position and launch a formal leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The move is expected to be triggered as early as Thursday, 14 May 2026, marking a significant escalation in internal party tensions.
Streeting held brief talks with Starmer at Downing Street on Wednesday morning, arriving at 08:24 and departing approximately 17 minutes later. The encounter occurred shortly before King Charles delivered the State Opening of Parliament. Following the meeting, Streeting’s spokesperson declined to comment on the leadership plans, stating that public remarks would distract from the King’s Speech.
Sources close to the Health Secretary assert that he has secured the support of 81 MPs required to formally launch a leadership bid. This claim directly contradicts assertions from Downing Street insiders, who suggested Streeting lacked the necessary numbers after Starmer issued a ultimatum to his cabinet. One MP close to Streeting described the idea that the Prime Minister had neutralised the threat as “laughable,” arguing that support is not confirmed until nominations are formally lodged.
Canvassing efforts have reportedly intensified, with allies contacting MPs to secure the requisite nominations. Two MPs reported being contacted on Tuesday evening with the message that Streeting was proceeding with the challenge. However, uncertainty remains within the party, with one MP expressing doubt about whether the Health Secretary actually possessed sufficient backing to follow through.
Political pressure on Starmer has been further compounded by renewed calls for his resignation from Zubir Ahmed, a close ally of Streeting who resigned as a minister on Tuesday. Ahmed stated that the Prime Minister’s authority had “irretrievably ebbed away.” Meanwhile, a cabinet ally of Starmer privately expressed strong opposition to Streeting, though praised the Prime Minister’s patience in the face of the internal turmoil.