Keir Starmer’s Government is as divided as ever – and some are rumoured to be urging him to take a leaf out of Kemi Badenoch’s book.
Starmer and Streeting (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir Starmer has been urged to sack Cabinet minister Wes Streeting as the Health Secretary is accused of “attacking” the Government. Senior figures inside the Cabinet are increasingly pressing the Prime Minister to remove Wes Streeting over claims of persistent disloyalty and open challenges to Downing Street.
One cabinet minister said that Sir Keir needs to learn from Kemi Badenoch, who this week sacked Robert Jenrick in a pre-emptive strike, telling The Times: “What he’s doing is so obvious, he is repeatedly breaching collective responsibility, he is attacking Number 10, he is undermining all of us. The PLP don’t like what he is doing, they would back him [the prime minister] if he acted.”
Kemi Badenoch sacked Robert Jenrick on Thursday (Image: Getty)
Another cabinet minister said that the behaviour of Mr Streeting’s and his allies is “wild”, adding: “Everyone knows he has MPs from the 2024 intake telling anyone who’ll listen that it’s time to get rid of Keir and make Wes PM instead. It’s wild behaviour. If he doesn’t bring it to a head, he’ll have to be brought to heel.”
A third cabinet minister said: “Wes is exactly the same as he was when he was 18…if he doesn’t become Labour prime minister he will tell himself his entire life has been a failure. Everything he’s doing now is in pursuit of that aim. Has he been pushing the boundary of what’s acceptable? Yes.”
A spokesman for Mr Streeting hit back, saying: “It’s a real shame that Keir’s so-called allies are briefing against Wes yet again, when they should be talking about the second biggest fall in waiting lists in 15 years, and ambulances arriving 15 minutes faster with Labour.
“Given Reform and the Tories are at each other’s throats right now this briefing is also incredibly stupid. Wes is delivering real change in the NHS, and is out there making the case for Keir and for Labour.”
A Number 10 source said: “Wes is doing a great job as Health Secretary, delivering an 86k cut in waiting lists this week. While other parties turn inwards, the Labour Government is getting on with delivering national renewal and Wes is a key player in the team.”
Nevertheless, speaking on Tuesday, when colleagues rallied round Sir Keir, one minister admitted: “These people wouldn’t have been out of place on the bridge of the Titanic.”
Mr Streeting has long been touted as a potential successor to Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister. He has openly admitted his ambition, saying in 2023 he would “die happy” if he got the chance to lead the party.
Amid Sir Keir’s falling popularity and internal tensions, Mr Streeting is frequently named in media and betting markets as a frontrunner for the top job.
While he denies plotting, his confident style and strong NHS record continue to fuel speculation about his future leadership bid.
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