Wes Streeting's Potential Labour Leadership Bid: Key Supporters
Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, is reportedly considering a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and a number of Labour MPs have already expressed their support. While often labeled a Blairite by the left, Streeting has built alliances across various Labour factions, with supporters ranging from personal friends to those who admire his communication skills. Here are the key figures backing him.
Zubir Ahmed
The Glasgow South West MP and former health minister resigned on Tuesday, publicly criticizing Starmer's leadership. As a former surgeon, he worked closely with Streeting on NHS reform and is among the junior ministers supporting a change at the top.
Jess Phillips
The Birmingham Yardley MP and former safeguarding minister also resigned on Tuesday, citing Starmer's caution and attachment to process as hindrances to bold action. Her resignation letter was particularly stinging, calling for the Prime Minister to step aside.
Joe Morris
The Hexham MP, first elected in 2024, served as Streeting's parliamentary private secretary (PPS). His resignation on Monday evening is seen as the starting gun for a potential Streeting bid. The two are close, with Streeting having campaigned for Morris in Northumberland.
Alex Davies-Jones
The Pontypridd MP and former victims minister resigned on Tuesday, urging Starmer to set a timetable for his departure. She is considered part of Streeting's orbit and wrote a strongly worded resignation letter.
Chris Curtis
The Milton Keynes North MP, elected in 2024, chairs the Labour Growth Group, which focuses on economic and planning reform. He stated that Starmer's recent speech did not do enough to save his leadership and called for him to set a departure date.
Alan Gemmell
The Central Ayrshire MP, another 2024 intake member and former diplomat, is close to Streeting and called for Starmer's resignation on Monday.
Melanie Ward
The Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy MP, also elected in 2024, served as PPS to David Lammy before stepping down amid the wave of resignations by Streeting allies.
Peter Kyle
The Business Secretary and MP for Hove and Portslade has remained publicly loyal to Starmer but is a close friend of Streeting and shares similar ideological views. He dismissed the idea of a challenge, noting that the two had dinner and watched a film together after the local elections.
These supporters represent a mix of personal allies, ideological sympathizers, and those frustrated with Starmer's leadership. As Streeting weighs his options, the backing of these MPs could prove crucial in any leadership contest.
