The political crisis confronting Starmer escalated dramatically Thursday when Streeting became the first senior minister to quit his Cabinet, declaring in a letter that Starmer should not serve out his term and should allow a broad field of candidates to debate the party’s future.
“You have shown courage and statesmanship on the world stage — not least in keeping Britain out of the war in Iran,” Streeting wrote. “But where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift.” The letter stopped short of explicitly announcing a leadership bid, fueling speculation that Streeting lacks the required 81 Labour lawmaker signatures to trigger a contest.
Starmer responded with a letter thanking Streeting for his work on the National Health Service and expressing hope the two could “work together to show that Labour in power can address the problems our opponents exploit, can install hope where they want despair, and can bring people together where they want division.” He swiftly appointed James Murray, a former Treasury minister, as the new health secretary.
Angela Rayner, a potential rival who resigned as deputy prime minister last September over tax questions, told the Guardian she had reached an agreement with authorities to clear the matter. Rayner said Starmer should “reflect on” his position and she was ready to “play my part” if a leadership race occurs.
Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, lacks a parliamentary seat but on Thursday a Labour lawmaker offered to stand aside to allow a special election. Burnham said on X that he cares deeply about the area and its people: “I know they have been let down by national politics.” If elected, he could mount a leadership challenge.
The upheaval comes as Starmer’s government faces anger over a stagnant economy and inflation, even after data released Thursday showed the economy grew 0.6% in the first quarter — more than expected. NHS waiting lists, a signature priority of Streeting’s, fell for the fifth straight month. Starmer warned that a leadership contest would destabilize the government during international crises and economic strain.
Treasury chief Rachel Reeves urged the party not to risk hard-won economic stability “by plunging the country in chaos at a time when there is conflict in the world.” Starmer has vowed to remain in office.
Jonathan Tonge, a politics professor at the University of Liverpool, noted Labour has never ousted a sitting prime minister in midterm. “They don’t do ruthless on their leader,” Tonge said. “The Conservatives, they readily do ruthless.” Even if Starmer survives this challenge, Tonge added, fragmentation in British politics makes further tests likely.