Wes Streeting quits as minister in huge blow to Keir Starmer

Rumours have been circulating that Streeting covets the top job and, following his resignation, will likely mount a leadership challenge.

It comes after Conservative shadow minister Alex Burghart called the Labour Party leadership struggle a “pig’s breakfast”.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Burghart says such instability is “very bad” for the country, with the cost of borrowing going up, leading to a big addition to the country’s national debt and further economic turmoil that could also lead to people losing their jobs.

“The country has to have a form of stability,” Burghart says.

He added that it’s been “clear for months” that Keir Starmer should go, citing the handling of the Lord Mandelson scandal and a number of government U-turns.

Will Wes Streeting mount a leadership challenge?

Wes Streeting, alongside Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner, is among the favourites to take over from Starmer.

Jess Phillips also resigned, who is known to be a close ally of Streeting.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, she said that she could not continue to serve as a minister “under the current leadership”.

“Labour governments come around rarely is the constant refrain at the moment.

“It’s true they are precious.

“Every Labour Government in my and my family’s lifetime has forged progress that changes our country and the world for the better.

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“I know you care deeply but deeds, not words are what matter. I’m not sure we are grasping this rare opportunity with the gusto that’s needed and I cannot keep waiting around for a crisis to push for faster progress.

“Decency is vital, calm curiosity is also needed, but so too are fight and drive required… I want a Labour Government to work and I will strive as I always have for its success and popularity, but I’m not seeing the change I think I and the country expect, and so cannot continue to serve as a minister under the current leadership.”

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