Wes Streeting confirms he will run to replace Keir Starmer as new UK PM

Wes Streeting, who resigned as UK health secretary on Thursday, confirmed Saturday he will run to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister.

The announcement follows disastrous local election results that prompted junior ministers and dozens of Labour MPs to demand Starmer step down.

What did Wes Streeting say about running for Labour leader?

Streeting confirmed he will contest the Labour leadership, though he has not yet triggered a formal challenge. Speaking at a think tank event in London, the 43-year-old MP said the party needs "a proper contest with the best candidates on the field" and that he will be standing. Whoever wins the leadership will, by default, become prime minister.

Why hasn't a formal Labour leadership contest started yet?

Streeting said he wanted to wait until all candidates were ready before launching the formal process. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham announced Friday he will seek a parliamentary seat, a prerequisite for entering the race. Streeting argued that moving without Burnham would have denied the eventual winner full legitimacy.

Burnham's path runs through a by-election in Makerfield, northwest England, after Labour's National Executive Committee approved his candidacy for that seat on Friday. That contest is expected in mid-June at the earliest. Any formal leadership challenge is likely to follow.

How does a Labour leadership challenge get triggered?

A challenge begins when 81 Labour MPs, 20 per cent of the parliamentary party, formally back a candidate and submit the required paperwork. Starmer, as sitting leader, would automatically appear on the ballot if he chooses to defend his position. Labour members and affiliated supporters then vote, ranking candidates by preference, with a 50 per cent threshold required to win.

What caused the Labour leadership crisis?

The pressure on Starmer intensified after poor local and regional election results last week. Several junior ministers and dozens of Labour MPs have since publicly called on him to resign.

Streeting's widely reported resignation letter stated that Starmer would not lead the party into the next general election.

No other senior cabinet minister followed Streeting out of the government, leaving the scale of any formal rebellion still unclear.

Streeting, seen as coming from Labour's right wing and long considered a potential future leader, is now the most prominent declared challenger. The contest, if it materialises, will be decided by the party's broader membership, not MPs alone.