Labour is facing a renewed crisis of leadership after Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from the cabinet on 14 May 2026. In a statement, Streeting called on Labour leader Keir Starmer to step down, citing a need for the party to redefine its identity and purpose.
The move is the latest in a series of setbacks for Labour, which has struggled to gain traction in recent months. Streeting's resignation has sparked calls for a leadership contest, with several Labour MPs seen as potential challengers to Starmer.
Streeting's statement cited a lack of clear direction and purpose within the Labour party, as well as a failure to effectively communicate with voters. He called on Starmer to lead the party in a contest for the leadership, saying that it was the only way to restore Labour's credibility and relevance.
The Labour party's leadership crisis has been brewing for months, with several high-profile resignations and criticisms of Starmer's leadership style. The party's poor performance in recent elections has also added to the pressure on Starmer.
The implications of Streeting's resignation and the potential leadership contest are significant for the Labour party and the UK as a whole. A change in leadership could have a major impact on the party's policy direction and its chances of winning the next general election.