Wes Streeting, the former UK health secretary who resigned from the government this week, has said he will run to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer once a leadership contest begins.
Starmer’s government has been under mounting pressure after the ruling Labour Party suffered heavy losses in recent local elections, leading to growing calls for his resignation.
Although Starmer has dismissed the criticism, many in London believe a leadership contest within Labour is becoming increasingly likely.
While Streeting has not formally launched a leadership campaign, he confirmed on Saturday that he intends to compete to replace Starmer as leader of the centre-left Labour Party.
Under the UK political system, the leader of the governing party which currently holds a large majority in Parliament automatically becomes prime minister.
“We need a proper contest with the best candidates on the field, and I’ll be standing,” Streeting said during a think tank event in London on Saturday.
He also urged Starmer to announce a timetable for stepping down.
Speaking to Labour supporters at a Progress group gathering, Streeting criticised the government, saying Labour “came into power underprepared in too many areas and lacking a clear vision and direction,” according to the Press.
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