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Labour MP Wes Streeting is gearing up for a potential leadership bid in the event that Keir Starmer is removed following the party’s disappointing local election results. According to sources close to the politician, Streeting has been quietly preparing for such a possibility, with a view to being ready to stand if a contest were to begin.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Streeting did not rule out a leadership bid but made it clear that he would not challenge incumbent leader Keir Starmer directly if the decision was ultimately for the leadership to rest with the elected members. He stated: “I am not planning to do anything but to serve the local community and support Keir Starmer if that’s what the membership would like.”
Nonetheless, the subtle positioning suggests that Streeting is keen to position himself as a potential successor if circumstances change. Labour’s disappointing outcome in the recent local elections has put increasing pressure on the party leadership, and questions about Starmer’s tenure have mounted in recent weeks.
Streeting, seen by many to be a strong contender for leadership, has been working diligently behind the scenes. As a member of the shadow treasury team and a former shadow education secretary, he has earned respect and praise from his party colleagues due to his impressive public speaking skills as well as policy development expertise.
Labour sources indicate that the poor local election results serve as a stark reminder that the current party leadership needs to reassess their strategy and possibly adopt fresh policy alternatives to win over voters. These results have undoubtedly increased internal pressure, particularly given the mounting concern amongst grassroots Labour Party members who fear another loss would severely damage the Labour Party’s prospects of gaining power in the future.
Streeting’s ambitions, if he does choose to pursue them, will be closely watched, especially given his growing reputation in the Labour Party as a highly accomplished politician with potential for future leadership. His decision to be prepared for a potential leadership contest is also an important move as it highlights his willingness to step forward when needed.
It seems increasingly clear that Labour is going through turmoil amid the current circumstances, and while a leadership bid remains uncertain, one thing that is certain is that Wes Streeting has set himself up as a viable contender to potentially take on the Labour Party’s leadership post in the future.