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UK Labour leadership crisis deepens as Wes Streeting eyes challenge to Starmer

Internal tensions escalate in the Labour Party as ministerial reshuffles and a potential leadership bid reshape the balance of power around Keir Starmer

The UK Labour leadership crisis deepens as Wes Streeting eyes challenge to Starmer following his resignation as Health Secretary, marking a sharp escalation in internal tensions within the British Labour Party and intensifying scrutiny of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Streeting’s resignation, according to his allies speaking to Sky News, was accompanied by severe criticism of Starmer’s leadership, which he described as “drifting” and marked by a “vacuum” at the top of government. He is now reportedly preparing to position himself as a potential candidate for the party leadership.

Government reshuffle and Murray’s appointment

In the immediate aftermath, James Murray entered Downing Street as the new Health Secretary on his first day in office. Close to Starmer, Murray replaces Streeting at a moment of heightened political sensitivity within the Labour government, as internal divisions become increasingly visible.

His appointment is widely seen as part of an effort to stabilize the cabinet while managing growing leadership speculation around the prime minister.

Burnham’s possible return to Westminster

Attention is also focused on Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who is awaiting clearance to contest the Makerfield by-election—a necessary step for a potential return to the House of Commons and a future leadership challenge.

According to Sky News, the Labour National Executive Committee (NEC)—the party body responsible for rules and strategy—will not meet today to decide on Burnham’s candidacy but is expected to do so before its scheduled meeting on Tuesday.

Earlier in the year, the NEC blocked Burnham’s attempt to run in a different by-election, citing governance risks and the potential loss of his mayoral role. The decision at that time was reportedly taken by an 8–1 majority against him.

Shift in internal dynamics

This time, however, party dynamics appear to have shifted. Starmer, who sits on the NEC, is not expected to oppose Burnham’s return to Parliament, marking a significant change in stance.

The by-election in Makerfield follows the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons, who stepped down to facilitate the political return of the Manchester mayor.

Electoral timeline and political implications

The formal process to trigger a by-election requires parliamentary procedures that cannot begin until the House is in session. The earliest possible issuance of the writ would be Monday of next week.

Once issued, the by-election must take place within 21 to 27 working days, typically on a Thursday. If triggered on the earliest timeline, voting could take place as soon as 18 June.

That week also coincides with the G7 summit in France, raising the prospect of simultaneous domestic political instability and major international commitments for the Labour leadership.

With Streeting signalling a leadership challenge, Burnham potentially returning to Westminster, and cabinet realignments underway, the Labour Party enters a phase of intensified internal competition. The balance of power around Starmer appears increasingly contingent on procedural decisions and upcoming electoral timelines.

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