Wes Streeting left No. 10 on Wednesday after a brief meeting with Keir Starmer, described by a former Conservative minister as likely "a meeting without coffee." This comes amid ongoing speculation about Streeting's leadership ambitions, with some Labour colleagues comparing him to David Miliband—a perennial heir apparent who never reached the top.
Background of the Leadership Speculation
As the king's speech approached, Streeting had not launched a leadership challenge, leading some to believe his moment had passed. One MP remarked, "There is a risk he becomes the David Miliband of this generation if he doesn't do something." However, briefings emerged that Streeting might resign as early as Thursday to trigger a leadership election. His allies described this as "planning, not plotting," aiming to be ready if a contest began rather than instigating one.
Shifts in the Narrative
Two key factors changed the dynamics. First, Starmer survived an underwhelming "reset" speech with minimal damage—only a few junior ministers resigned, mainly allied to Streeting. Second, Downing Street briefed that Streeting had "bottled it" and could not secure the 80 MPs needed for a contest. After Streeting sought a private chat with Starmer following a cabinet meeting and was rebuffed, he was granted a meeting on Starmer's terms, lasting only 16-17 minutes—a clear signal of its low priority.
Paul Scully, a former Conservative minister, likened the meeting to "a meeting without coffee," a Tory code for a summons by the chief whip for a reprimand. He added, "Not sure that was the look Wes Streeting was going for."
Internal Party Dynamics
Starmer's allies have long believed Streeting lacks sufficient support from the parliamentary party and membership, and that only a challenge from Andy Burnham (not in parliament) could threaten Starmer. One ally stated, "It's why we felt so confident that Keir would not have to resign—they thought he can be bullied out but he can't." A rival camp was blunter: "The Wes operation has been shown to be totally pathetic."
Despite this, Streeting's team contacted MPs on Tuesday night, urging them not to believe press reports and to hold their nerve. Some MPs called were from the left of the party, indicating a broad search for support. However, the timing and viability of a bid remain unclear.
Possible Scenarios
If Streeting reaches the 80-MP threshold and launches a contest, Starmer is expected to fight him, hoping to win the membership vote. However, a direct Starmer-Streeting battle could prompt candidates from the left, such as Ed Miliband or Angela Rayner, to enter. Conversely, some leftwing MPs might back Streeting in a straight contest due to dislike of Starmer. One MP said, "I'd pick Andy if we go later, but if it's now, it's Wes."
Streeting's team has prepared policy platforms, and even detractors acknowledge his superior media performance. However, if he never launches a bid or loses, he risks becoming a David Miliband figure. One Starmer ally commented, "All the months both sides have been saying they have been planning not plotting, and yet have so monumentally fucked up the first stage it is embarrassing."
