Wes Streeting has confirmed that he will run to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister if a leadership contest is triggered, calling for a "proper contest" to be held for the role. Speaking at a conference organized by the think tank Progress on Saturday, Streeting outlined his vision, including a push for a "new special relationship" with the European Union and a future return to the trade bloc.
Criticism of Starmer's Leadership
Streeting used the speech to criticize what he described as Keir Starmer's "heavy-handed" leadership culture, which he claimed had stifled creative policy thinking within the government. He questioned the effectiveness of Labour's first two years in power, stating that the party "arrived in government underprepared in too many areas and lacking clarity of vision and direction." He described Starmer's proposed winter fuel cut, one of the most unpopular policies of the government's term, as a "catastrophe."
Lack of Debate
Streeting argued that the party had not held a true debate about its direction since the Jeremy Corbyn era. He said: "The moral emergency of antisemitism in our party left little room for intellectual renewal or policy debate on the centre-left. We then had a dishonest leadership contest, followed by an overcautiousness in opposition. Interesting policy ideas couldn't be floated because we were too afraid of what the Tories might say, so we said nothing. Instead of a willingness to challenge ideas and kick the tyres, debate was viewed as division and shut down."
He added: "We've carried this culture into government, with a heavy-handed approach that has seen backbenchers scolded for interesting private members' bills, which weren't the government's policy – like banning smartphones in schools. That's why we need a proper contest where all candidates can put their best foot forward. It's got to be a battle of ideas so that whoever wins comes out stronger for it."
EU Re-Entry and Misinformation
Streeting said Britain should rejoin the European Union, describing Brexit as "a catastrophic mistake" and suggesting that a closer relationship with Europe would help "rebuild our economy and trade, and improve our defence against the shared threats from Russian aggression and America First." He also criticized the spread of misinformation online, stating that the country had "chosen to hand the pen to tech moguls in Silicon Valley to write our future for us. It's time to take the pen back."
Racism and Division
Streeting highlighted recent racism in the UK, saying: "What we've experienced in our country in recent months is a type of racism we haven't seen on our streets since the 1970s and 80s. Our country's flags flown from lamp-posts and flyovers, not as a symbol of national pride, but as a symbol of division: a message that those flags belong to people who look like me and not people who look like our mayor of London."
Rivalry with Burnham
Streeting's intervention comes after Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, was cleared by Labour's national executive committee to stand in the upcoming byelection in Makerfield. It is believed that Streeting will rival Burnham in any challenge to the prime minister, though he said he will join the campaign in Makerfield, stating he'll "be out there going door-knocking day after day to help get him (Burnham) elected."
In an apparent offer to debate with Burnham and others, Streeting said: "Change begins with an argument. You don't make progress without one. That's why this week, I called for a battle of ideas, not personalities."
