Wes Streeting Resigns as Health Secretary
Wes Streeting has resigned from his position as health secretary following days of speculation that he was preparing to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour Party leadership.
In his resignation letter, Streeting offers a harsh critique of Sir Keir’s leadership of both the Labour Party and the country. However, he stops short of declaring a leadership challenge himself, instead urging the prime minister to facilitate a "broad" contest to select "the best possible field of candidates" to succeed him.
Below are four key excerpts from Streeting’s nearly 1,000-word letter, along with their potential implications.
'Dishonourable' to Remain in Post
Streeting delivers a decisive statement, expressing that he has "lost confidence" in the prime minister. He clarifies that his resignation is based on principle rather than policy disagreements, focusing on Sir Keir’s leadership of the Labour Party and the nation.
"The National Health Service is the embodiment of all that is best about Britain and our values. Thanks to our Labour government, it is on the road to recovery: lots done, but so much more to do. These are all good reasons for me to remain in post, but as you know from our conversation earlier this week, having lost confidence in your leadership, I have concluded that it would be dishonourable and unprincipled to do so."
'Nationalists Are in Power in Every Corner of the UK'
Streeting groups Reform UK, Plaid Cymru, and the SNP under the label "nationalists," warning they pose a threat to the future unity of the United Kingdom. Notably, there is no mention of the Green Party’s impact on Labour’s vote share in parts of England.
This statement reflects the ongoing concern among Labour MPs about the possibility of Nigel Farage becoming prime minister. Streeting expresses doubt that Sir Keir is capable of preventing this outcome.
"For the first time in our country's history, nationalists are in power in every corner of the United Kingdom - including a dangerous English nationalism represented by Nigel Farage and Reform UK. This represents both an existential threat to the future integrity of the United Kingdom, but Reform UK also represent a threat to the values and ideals that have made this country great."
'Where We Need Vision, We Have a Vacuum'
This particularly stark passage is likely to resonate with many who have served in government, including current ministers and officials.
The recent debate has centered on Streeting himself, his conduct, and his campaign. Now, Streeting aims to shift focus onto Sir Keir, his leadership, and the direction he is steering the Labour Party.
"But where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift. This was underscored by your speech on Monday. Leaders take responsibility, but too often that has meant other people falling on their swords. You also need to listen to your colleagues, including backbenchers, and the heavy-handed approach to dissenting voices diminishes our politics."
'Clear You Will Not Lead Labour Into Next General Election'
The phrase "broad debate" is interpreted as a reference to Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, potentially standing as a leadership candidate if he can secure a seat in Parliament.
For Burnham to become a candidate, he must become an MP, and the responsibility now lies with him to demonstrate a viable path into Parliament, such as an MP resigning to create a vacancy, as his allies have suggested for several weeks.
If Burnham fails to secure this, it is anticipated that Streeting and his supporters will advocate for a swift leadership contest, in which Streeting might compete against Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, or possibly former party leader Ed Miliband.
"It is now clear that you will not lead the Labour Party into the next general election and that Labour MPs and Labour Unions want the debate about what comes next to be a battle of ideas, not of personalities or petty factionalism. It needs to be broad, and it needs the best possible field of candidates. I support that approach and I hope that you will facilitate this."
Sir Keir Starmer's Response
Sir Keir Starmer responded to Streeting’s resignation letter with a message expressing regret at his departure and gratitude for his service.
He acknowledged their long working relationship and thanked Streeting for his contributions to returning Labour to government and his achievements as health secretary.
Starmer highlighted the state of the NHS upon their government’s arrival, describing it as "on its knees," and attributed recent improvements to Streeting’s efforts and the collective work of the NHS.
He noted that hospital waiting lists have been reduced, ambulance response times improved, NHS productivity increased, and patient experiences enhanced. Starmer emphasized that the NHS is "back on its feet."
Starmer also praised the ambitious policy agenda set by Streeting and his team, including the 10 Year Health Plan aimed at modernizing the NHS and broader health system.
He mentioned the Casey Commission and Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care as steps toward a National Care Service, alongside other initiatives such as the National Cancer Plan, HIV Action Plan, National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, and Life Sciences Sector Plan.
Starmer highlighted legislative achievements including the Tobacco and Vapes Act and the Mental Health Act, which aim to save and improve lives respectively.
He framed these accomplishments as evidence of the positive impact of a Labour government.
Regarding recent local election results, Starmer acknowledged the challenges faced, including losses of seats by party members and the heightened threat posed by political opponents.
He called on party members to unite in what he described as a "battle for the soul of our nation," emphasizing the need to fulfill promises made to the public, including moving beyond the chaos rejected in the last general election.
Starmer expressed sorrow that Streeting would no longer be part of the Cabinet but expressed confidence that he would continue to play a significant role within the party.
He concluded with a call to collaborate in demonstrating that Labour in power can address opponents’ challenges, inspire hope, and foster unity.
"Thank you for your letter. I am very sorry that you have stepped down from Government. We have worked together for many years and I want to thank you for all your hard work in helping to get us back into Government and for all that you have achieved as Health Secretary.
When we came into Government the NHS was on its knees. Almost two years on, the statistics published today are a result of your work and determination and that of the whole of the NHS. Thanks to the choices we made to stabilise our economy, invest in our public services and reform the NHS, hospital waiting lists have been cut. Patients are now waiting less time for hospital appointments, ambulances are arriving sooner, the NHS is more productive, and people's experience of healthcare is improving. The NHS is back on its feet.
Alongside these performance improvements, you and your team have set out an ambitious policy agenda. The 10 Year Health Plan will modernise the NHS and wider health system. The Casey Commission and Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care puts us on a path to a National Care Service we can be proud of. Alongside this, the National Cancer Plan, HIV Action Plan, National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, and Life Sciences Sector Plan are all ambitious pieces of work. The Tobacco and Vapes Act will save lives, and the Mental Health Act will improve lives.
This is the difference a Labour government makes. This is the change we are delivering.
Last week's local election results were extremely tough. I know many colleagues saw good friends lose seats. Everyone in our party is acutely aware that our opponents are more dangerous than ever before. They are a real threat to the values we care about, to the communities we represent and to the country we love.
It is incumbent on all of us to rise to what I see as a battle for the soul of our nation. As part of that we must deliver on all of the promises we made to the country, including our promise to turn the page on the chaos that was roundly rejected by the British people at the last general election.
I am truly sorry you will no longer be sat at the Cabinet table helping to transform our National Health Service. But I have no doubt you will continue to play an important role in our party for many years to come. I hope we can work together to show that Labour in power can address the problems our opponents exploit, can install hope where they want despair, and can bring people together where they want division.
The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP
