Allies of Wes Streeting say he will launch challenge of Keir Starmer tomorrow

Leaked draft statement says party ‘cannot continue on its current path’ under PM

Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets construction apprentices during a visit to London South Bank Technical College. Picture date: Tuesday May 12, 2026.

Allies of Wes Streeting have said he is preparing to quit as health secretary and could mount a formal challenge for the leadership as early as Thursday.

Downing Street insiders had suggested Streeting did not yet have the required support from the 81 MPs needed to formally launch a leadership bid after Keir Starmer issued a “put up or shut up” ultimatum to his cabinet.