Overview
- Wes Streeting said he will run for Labour leader at a London event hosted by the Progress group after quitting as health secretary citing lost confidence in Keir Starmer.
- Party rules require a challenger to secure backing from 81 Labour MPs, or 20% of the parliamentary party, before an official contest can begin.
- Streeting set out a pro‑Europe pitch, calling Brexit a catastrophic mistake and urging a new relationship with the EU with the aim of rebuilding trade, the economy, and security ties.
- Starmer’s standing has weakened after poor local and regional election results, with more than 80 Labour MPs urging him to resign or set a timetable, and several ministers reported to have quit.
- Andy Burnham is moving to become eligible to run after Labour’s ruling body approved him to seek the Makerfield seat, a step he must complete before any leadership challenge.