Health Secretary Wes Streeting has experienced a week of significant political pressure, slightly alleviated by the announcement that NHS waiting lists have finally begun to shrink. The news, however, offers only minor respite as the minister continues to face intense scrutiny.
A Week of Political Bruising
The positive news on waiting lists arrived during a particularly tricky period for the Health Secretary. Just a day prior, Mr Streeting was forced to publicly deny allegations that he was involved in a plot to oust the current Prime Minister. This political drama has cast a long shadow, leading many to question his ambitions and focus amidst a national health service crisis.
If the health secretary does indeed harbour ambitions for the top job at Number 10, commentators suggest that a strong and improving record on the NHS would be a fundamental requirement. While Mr Streeting is known for his confident rhetoric, the actual performance of the health service under his leadership is the subject of intense debate.
Diagnosing the NHS's True Condition
To dissect the true state of the National Health Service, the Sky News Daily podcast turned to expert analysis. Host Niall was joined by two prominent voices in the health sector: Roy Lilley, a former NHS Trust chairman, and Ashish Joshi, Sky's own health correspondent.
Their discussion on the episode released Thursday, 13 November 2025, likely delved beyond the headline figures to provide a deeper diagnosis of the NHS's health. The slight reduction in waiting lists, while a step in the right direction, is set against a backdrop of longstanding systemic challenges, from staff shortages to funding pressures.
Looking Ahead for the Health Secretary
For Wes Streeting, the path forward remains fraught with difficulty. The dual pressures of managing a vast and complex public service while navigating the turbulent waters of Westminster politics create a formidable challenge. The slight decrease in waiting lists is a data point he will hope to build upon, but it is clear that one week's news does not define a tenure.
The ongoing scrutiny from media and health professionals alike ensures that his every move, and the corresponding performance indicators of the NHS, will be closely watched. The question of whether his leadership will receive a positive long-term diagnosis from the public and his colleagues is one that only time will answer.
