Wes Streeting has resigned from the British government in a major blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the ruling Labour Party amid growing internal divisions and declining public support.
In a lengthy resignation letter, Streeting criticized the party’s leadership approach and called for a broader debate over Labour’s future direction ahead of the next general election.
The former health secretary acknowledged improvements within the National Health Service but argued that confidence in Starmer’s leadership had significantly deteriorated, making it impossible for him to remain in government “with honor and principle”.
Streeting also suggested that Starmer would not lead Labour into the next national election and urged the party to open the leadership contest to the strongest possible candidates.
The resignation comes amid mounting political pressure on Starmer following recent local election setbacks and declining approval ratings for the government.
Streeting warned that Labour’s current political strategy risked strengthening Reform UK while criticizing what he described as a heavy-handed approach towards dissenting voices inside the party.
Pressure on the Labour leader intensified earlier this week after four junior ministers resigned and 86 Labour MPs reportedly called for Starmer to step down.
Meanwhile, former deputy leader Angela Rayner was cleared of allegations related to deliberate tax violations, removing a potential obstacle to any future leadership ambitions, although she has not indicated whether she plans to challenge Starmer.
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