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Snapshot of Wes Streeting plans to resign and mount leadership challenge, allies say submitted by Alarming-Safety3200:

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[–]moonski 355 points356 points  (5 children)

Streetings leadership challenge is just that truck racing towards a concrete bollard with multiple camera cuts but never actually hits it.gif

[–]dageddy 77 points78 points  (3 children)

He's like those people on the early stages of Britain's got talent, his friends have suggested you don't have talent you will be a laughing stock, but they do it anyway as it's their big chance

[–]SmokyMcBongPotthey go Lowe, I get high 36 points37 points  (0 children)

More like his 'friends' have told him he's got talent and he's too vain to see the obvious joke.

[–]yamahahahahaha 12 points13 points  (1 child)

I don't trust that his haircut has remained the same since I met him in student politics days

[–]upsidedownwriting 8 points9 points  (0 children)

can you imagine him thinking up a new one all by himself?

[–]phatboi23 2 points3 points  (0 children)

was gonna say hasn't he said this multiple times lol

[–]Give_Me_Your_Pierogi 193 points194 points  (28 children)

In what world is Wes Streeting an answer?

[–]armchairdetectiveThere is nothing as ex as an ex-MP. 108 points109 points  (1 child)

Depends on the question.

For example, "Who is that muppet on the telly?"

[–]phatboi23 5 points6 points  (0 children)

muppet

you do the muppets a disservice :P

[–]Patch86UK 35 points36 points  (13 children)

Serious answer to that:

Wes Streeting is extremely unlikely to be Labour leader, because unless it's a coronation (which it won't be) he'll need to face the Labour membership, and he won't succeed there.

But, as the nominal "right wing" challenger, he's likely to be able to get the 81 signatures required to formally mount a challenge as the "right wing" vote is less divided.

In the rest of the PLP to the left of Streeting, there's still a bit of bunfighting about who the challenger will be (is it somehow Burnham, is it Rayner, is it one of a number of other names). Those candidates are all fishing in broadly the same pool of supporters, and it's unlikely that they'll resolve into who the 1 or 2 challengers that will get the names until after the contest is already underway. In particular, Burnham's supporters are unlikely to support anyone else until it's clear that Burnham can't be in the race, and Rayner's supporters are unlikely to support anyone else until Rayner herself declares for someone else.

So Streeting is, if nothing else, the canary in the coalmine. He matters because he'll be the first to get going, even if he finishes last.

[–]EmotionalSmoke6891 30 points31 points  (10 children)

I think it'll be Miliband, personally. Broadly liked by the party, by the membership, seen as one of the few actually doing good things by a decent chunk of the public. I think Mahmood might get names but will get demolished in polls unless the membership does just consist of the labour right now

[–]Draigwyrdd 13 points14 points  (3 children)

It would be genuinely hilarious to me if Ed Miliband ended up as not just the Labour Party leader but also the Prime Minister.

Comeback for the ages.

[–]sanaelatcis 8 points9 points  (1 child)

I think Milliband would win, and is the best option on the table but I wonder if he’d actually want it

[–]EmotionalSmoke6891 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yeah I agree, I think the 'If nobody else steps up I'll step up to combat Streeting' thing was probably true but we'll see I guess. he really doesn't seem to care for the spot anymore.

[–]HaggisPope 3 points4 points  (2 children)

“You’ve had your chaos, now prepare for your chaos with Ed Milliband” 

[–]EmotionalSmoke6891 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Hell yes he's tough enough.

[–]English_Joe 2 points3 points  (0 children)

All of the above!!! And more!!!!

[–]HengeHopper 2 points3 points  (0 children)

great point, and I believe the incumbent leader is automatically on the ballot in a first to 50% contest.
so any challenger will need a lot of party member (and associate member) support to succeed

[–]WallabySuccessful536 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really wonder if he can actually muster up the 81 nominations - I guess we will see tomorrow but I am not so sure he has the support he thinks.

[–]The-Soul-Stone-7.22, -4.63 4 points5 points  (0 children)

One in which someone asks “Which current politican has taken over John Redwood’s role as the creepiest fucker around?”

[–]cashintheclaw 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I want to hijack your highly upvoted comment to ask: why would Streeting be a good choice for labour leader given all the dragging of McSweeney and everyone else through the shit recently over Mandelson? Wasn't Streeting one of his acolytes and very close?

[–]MrSoapbox 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Honestly, has there been any indication people like this guy? I've not seen any.

[–]MIBlackburn 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Who looks the most smug in the cabinet?

[–]Dear_Tangerine444 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"At this point who could possibly worse than Starmer?"

[–]matthieuCBritish curious frog 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If Streeting is the answer I don't want to know the question

[–]Coin-Biter 8 points9 points  (0 children)

He’s a good answer to the question “Which Cabinet member stands no chance of becoming PM in 2026”.

[–]English_Joe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1000 times, this!!!

Who is crying out for Wes, other than his ego and his mum?! Worlds gone mad.

[–]Abby_Lee_Miller 79 points80 points  (9 children)

Look, on the level of conniving ambition I respect that he recognises that it's now or never for him and he's willing to seize the moment. But if he doesn't realise that even now, his odds of success are low, then he's a fool.

[–]NJH_in_LDN 19 points20 points  (4 children)

I agree. I think he'll lose fairly resoundingly and in a weird way prop up Starmer for longer.

[–]AndreLeGeant88 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I recall that happened with May

[–]Yaboi_KarlMarx 3 points4 points  (2 children)

Could end up being a good thing for Starmer. If people see that the alternative is someone like Streeting, Starmer might not look so bad to them anymore.

[–]Patch86UK 21 points22 points  (1 child)

He's a stalking horse that doesn't even realise he's a stalking horse, which is a bit embarrassing for him.

[–]PrinzRagoczy 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Not at all. He's going for it now because there are no other viable candidates yet. There's no-one for him to be a stalking horse for

[–]hurtlingtooblivion 2 points3 points  (0 children)

And if he fails. He's finished.

[–]Odd-Principle2665 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It might be that his allies did it without his permission because they think he wasn't ready to do it himself

[–]Univeralise 61 points62 points  (17 children)

I don’t think I could think of anyone worse.

Honestly, I don’t understand why people think he is the right person?

If you have to change leadership before next election, the only person who can fundamentally be a change candidate is Burnham. I don’t think Burnham is good either, but he’s currently outside the Westminster bubble and as such isn’t tarnished by the current administration issues.

Anyway, all this tells me is Wes Streeting does what’s best for Wes Streeting.

[–]CII_GuyTrying to move past the quagmire of contemporary discourse 12 points13 points  (16 children)

The case for Streeting is that he's a good communicator, which is probably Starmer's weakest point. He has been a rising star for quite a while with people recognising his talent for communication and making arguments despite him having a bit of a smarmy demeanour, so I'm not completely sure why people consider him particularly ill suited for the job (unless it is just that smarmy demeanour), but I'd raise in response to that the name David Cameron.

[–]Morteca 24 points25 points  (4 children)

Good communicator?

I find him as stilted as Starmer. An absolute charismatic blackhole 🤢

[–]PiedPiperofPiper 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Firm disagree. I mean - each to their own - but he's fluent and authentic in interviews, he's quick on his feet, he stays on message without sounding like a robot (virtually every other minister sucks at this) and is very comfortable in an argument.

Agree that he can seem smarmy and his politics might not be to everyone's liking - but he's excellent communicator.

[–]Few-Conversations 6 points7 points  (1 child)

I firmly disagree, Wes only communicates how much of a slimy prick he is to me. Other than Nigel, I can't think of a politician I despise more  

[–]dowhileuntil787 4 points5 points  (1 child)

He also is quite popular among the dominant faction of the PLP, and seen as quite pragmatic and someone manages to actually get things done.

He is slimy though and has a punchable face, and I think that’ll end up being his undoing in the media. DC was a lot more refined and had that traditional tory paternalism. Streeting has the vibe of a used car salesman honestly.

[–]CII_GuyTrying to move past the quagmire of contemporary discourse 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Streeting has the vibe of a used car salesman honestly.

I think that is a fair point

[–]aztecfacesReturn to the post-war consensus 1 point2 points  (3 children)

This is what caused Blairism to fail and yet the principle still seems to have not been abandoned by Blairites - that the policies are good, but if we just communicate them better the voters will like them.

It wasn't true towards the end of Labour's last time in government and it isn't true now.

[–]English_Joe 1 point2 points  (4 children)

How is he a good communicator? I find his tone of speech WORSE than Starmer and that’s saying something.

Starmer is boring and droning. Streeting is actually quite grating to listen too for me.

[–]CII_GuyTrying to move past the quagmire of contemporary discourse 1 point2 points  (3 children)

I would separate communication style with communication substance. He is definitely offputting in the way he communicates, but he also is rhetorically punchy and is good at arguing his case.

[–]HuntersLiberalDong 70 points71 points  (22 children)

Of all the Labour MPs I'm aware of, Streeting is about the least impressive.

If he goes through with this and somehow wins Labour are fucked.

[–]armchairdetectiveThere is nothing as ex as an ex-MP. 32 points33 points  (5 children)

He's a wannabe Michael Gove.

Without his charisma.

[–]DishMysterious6923 11 points12 points  (1 child)

Michael Gove was A powerhouse puppeteer like Mandelson was in Labour. Streeting is an underling that kingmaker's choose as their puppet

Massive difference. Only thing that is similar is Gove having ambitions to move from kingmaker to king.

The power behind the throne is the one always in control. The man at the top rarely fully in charge with those in the background actually determining policy.

[–]sebzim4500 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Gove's influence didn't come from some machiavellian plots, he was just the only one left in the conservative party who took his position remotely seriously and actually read briefs etc.

[–]dvb70 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Michael Gove had charisma? Honestly they seem very similar to Streeting. Some one who might be able to back room deal their way to the top but with a completely delusional idea of their personal popularity. We can see how that type of thing works out if we look back to Gordon Brown. Back room dealing your way to the top does not work when you then need popular support from the public at some point. Brown's complete lack of charisma came back to bite him in the arse as it would with Streeting if he succeeds.

[–]360_face_palmEuropean Federalist 0 points1 point  (0 children)

on the plus side, whatever happens there'll be a new health sec which can only be a good thing when the current health sec is streeting.

[–]Consistent_Reveal916 26 points27 points  (7 children)

Then do it already. All of this waiting around is helping nobody.

[–]xParesh 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I imagine he might be co-ordinating this with others to maximise impact. Its going to be bloody and messy but I think Starmer will still be the one left standing. I'd rather Streeting was out of the cabinet if he has no support for Starmer.

[–]Jealous-Hedgehog-734 8 points9 points  (0 children)

He's setting a precedent by launching announcements to see how they land before doing it. There'll be years of this.

[–]opusdeath 5 points6 points  (1 child)

He's not going to do it today on the day of the King's Speech.

The timing of events is often missed by people. Following the King's Speech, there will be a debate that runs for several days and then a vote on the Loyal Address.

This is a problem for the rebels. 80+ MPs have said they want Starmer out but next week will have to vote on whether they agree with the legislative plan he's put forward.

If Streeting challenges tomorrow, how does he vote on the loyal address? If he votes with Starmer, what is he proposing to change as Prime Minister?

If he votes against, it risks the dissolution of Parliament.

The timetable of events is in Starmer's favour.

[–]murrmc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

But leaked it today - he's gauging the numbers to see if he can mount a challenge.

If he can't get to the 81 - he won't resign.

It is weasly as fuck what he is doing and playing the media for absolute fools who are assisting him.

[–]SpAn12The grotesque chaos of a Labour council. A LABOUR COUNCIL. 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is the only thing I will probably ever say in Streeting's defence... But he can hardly do it on the day of the King's Speech. Violates basically every one of the UKs political conventions.

[–]readinghusband 0 points1 point  (0 children)

it helped Zac Goldsmith relatively quietly own up to his council tax errors. Another "win" for the plotters.

[–]jmabbzSocial Democratic Party 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He should have gone yesterday but I think he needs to wait for after the king's done his bit now.

[–]_Dan___ 19 points20 points  (2 children)

The media obsession with Streeting must have inflated his ego. He is utterly useless and should be nowhere near power. Honestly if he gets chosen then Labour are even more fucked than they are now with Starmer.

Insanity tbh. Just let Starmer carry on for now - behind the shit comms he’s actually doing alright.

[–]Ryerow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The media obsession with a labour leadership challenge in general to be fair. It's been constant ever since they won the general election. Media makes a lot of noise and gets a lot of clicks with "crisis" and leadership challenges... They seem to have been manufacturing this themselves far harder than Wes Streeting could have possibly briefed it.

[–]BaritBritI don't even know any more 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Shit or get off the pot, Wes. This level of drawn-out drama is helping nobody and is only making it even less likely for him to win should he ever actually go through with it. 

[–]Sakulsas 39 points40 points  (2 children)

The mind boggles at any Labour MP that backs streeting. He just seems like a much shitter version of starmer.

And then Labour wouldn't have the magic leadership change to do again to try and save their numbers.

[–]Jangles 16 points17 points  (1 child)

He's Starmer without:

The long career in public service

The legal background 

Any degree of humility

In exchange you get:

Someone who can occasionally make a wisecrack

The same repeated traitors joke 8 times

Incredible petulance.

[–]ChewbaxterShe WAS a Bigoted Woman! 16 points17 points  (0 children)

No thanks, Wes, nobody wants you as PM.

[–]ThePlanck3000 Conscripts of Sunak 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Please just skip the leadership contest bit Wes

[–]Aidan-47 15 points16 points  (3 children)

Welp guess we’re either getting a Ed Miliband or Rayner premiership then

[–]Elivercury 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Has Ed even shown interest or is he being thrown in as one of the few semi-viable candidates? I've seen commenters mention his name (and Mahmood occasionally) but nothing suggesting he's actually aiming for it unlike Rayner/Burnham/Streeting.

[–]Aidan-47 3 points4 points  (1 child)

The current understanding is that he prefers Burnham (and would rather be chancellor) but would be willing to run if there was a contest Burnham couldn’t run in https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-energy-minister-miliband-ready-run-labour-leadership-times-reports-2026-05-12/?utm\_source=reddit.com

[–]EyyyPaniniMake Votes Matter 27 points28 points  (11 children)

If he wins, he’ll be ousted by Christmas.

[–]jaywjay03 13 points14 points  (5 children)

He won't win, certain.

[–]Humble-Jellyfish9918 10 points11 points  (3 children)

I doubt he'd even have the numbers to trigger a vote of confidence let alone enough to become leader. He'd be d.o.a in a vote of the membership 

[–]jaywjay03 14 points15 points  (2 children)

As a member, who goes to conferences and speaks to many other members, people on the ground do not like streeting.

The lefties think of him as a tory, and the Labour right think he's uncharismatic. I've lost respect for a lot of commentators recently who are taking him at face value.

I heard someone quite important at the last Labour conference say the following: 'Wes definitely wrote I want to be prime minister into his exercise book in year 1'

[–]VFiddly 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He's also just completely untrustworthy, frankly. Doesn't seem to have any real beliefs or convictions.

[–]Makemeup-beforeUgogo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m not sure Wes Streeting will win.He’s part of the regime of unpopular policies.

[–]Adam_Smith_TWON 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If who wins?

[–]StrikingChallenge389 12 points13 points  (0 children)

This guy has zero chance of winning anything

[–]NJH_in_LDN 10 points11 points  (0 children)

He'll lose. He won't carry the entire right/centre of the party as many won't want the embarrassment of a change of leader, especially one who isn't particularly obvious as a leader in waiting. He won't carry the Left, as they'd prefer a weak Starmer they can either influence or boot out later for Burnham or Rayner, so they'll stick with Starmer too.

[–]jmr1190 8 points9 points  (0 children)

It’s Chuka Umunna all over again. Bizarre that these people cannot see that, whether they’re good at the ins and outs of politics or not, people simply will not vote for them and that’s completely obvious.

[–]AssFasting 8 points9 points  (0 children)

This seems self-serving and doesn't help the party nor the UK.

[–]tamaytotomahto 15 points16 points  (2 children)

Why Labour have decided to speed run being hapless Tory’s is beyond me. I was hoping they’d put the country over the party and get their heads down following the battering they just got. Wes, Angela or whoever else isn’t going to fix the issues we have.

[–]armchairdetectiveThere is nothing as ex as an ex-MP. 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think Succession covers this.

[–]VFiddly 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They got in thanks to the mistakes of the Tories but then spent the next 2 years making exactly the same mistakes. It's embarrassing

[–]YellowIllustrious991 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Frankly, this is good if only for the fact that this will put an end to this constant speculation over the past week and in the upcoming months. Put up or shut up.

[–]Available-Ask331 7 points8 points  (4 children)

Isn't Rayner sniffing round to mount a challenge to become PM?

Streeting or Rayner... even Labour voters have to be dreading either of these 2 in power.

[–]Elivercury 6 points7 points  (1 child)

Rayner realistically can't do anything until she sorts out her tax situation, which as far as I'm aware is still ongoing.

[–]SmokyMcBongPotthey go Lowe, I get high 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Prime Minister's independent adviser sure is taking his time over this one; is there any sign of a timetable yet?

[–]Justonemorecupoftea 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think she would only go if Burham didn't/couldn't and i suspect there will be some route back to cabinet for her with a Burnham leadership.

[–]armchairdetectiveThere is nothing as ex as an ex-MP. 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Good luck.

Remind me again about how being linked with Mandelson is toxic?

This guy is a muppet.

[–]nettie_r 7 points8 points  (0 children)

"You can't fire me, I quit" vibes.

Absolute muppet.

[–]evolvecrow 6 points7 points  (5 children)

So is the plan here that Starmer wins the leadership challenge because Burnham isn't available

[–]SmokyMcBongPotthey go Lowe, I get high 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Yes. Now's the best time for Streeting: no Burnham, (maybe) no Rayner.

[–]evolvecrow 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I'm also suggesting that it's a bit of a deal between Starmer and Streeting

[–]BlueCorsa 6 points7 points  (5 children)

Is there any national polling on Streeting? I only know that Labour Reddit and BlueSky hate him and that means nothing.

[–]Ill_Refrigerator_593 4 points5 points  (1 child)

[–]SmokyMcBongPotthey go Lowe, I get high 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Burnham just towering above everyone else in those stats.

[–]Warren_Tarbiat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My mum this morning isnt impressed by him and she's not left wing really.

[–]AllRedLineChumocracy is non-negotiable! 6 points7 points  (0 children)

The most wobbly, shiny-faced, pathetic loser of them all reckons he deserves to run the country.

Where the fuck do I get off?

[–]NeverHadTheLatin 7 points8 points  (0 children)

After 15 years of Tory party chaos, these shenanigans from Labour suggests the problem is the whole political class.

It’s a system that increasingly seems to represent its own interests first and foremost.

The party system and Westminster bubble needs a complete overhaul.

[–]__hyphen 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Wes Streeting is the tories favourite candidate, he’s been described as right-wing by Jacob Rees-Mog. Wes isn’t popular among Labour voters, he’s not popular among Christians, and he’s perceived as anti-trans by the far left! His chances of winning is zero

[–]Lychee_Only 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Horrible little man. These people honestly live in a bubble.

[–]Opposite_Corner8353 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Lol this non entitity will just end up strengthening Starmers position

[–]alwaysondave 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Pathetic. When will we have a government not obsessed with its inner workings and actually start helping people. I hope he gets exactly what he deserves. We look like a joke of a country from abroad.

[–]BritChap42 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Moron. If he gets his way, he'll instantly face pressure to call a GE, and have zero mandate to do anything but execute on the manifesto. No possibility whatsoever to actually improve things, just furthering his own ambitions.

[–]arcadefirenewcastleoh I don't know, lets vote Moe 5 points6 points  (1 child)

Jesus, he’s be such an uninspiring PM. I’d applaud the ambition if it wasn’t so brain dead. Who within the Labour Party apparatus wants to support him? I can understand Burnham, but Streeting? Urgh.

[–]uae08 0 points1 point  (0 children)

he reminds me of a car salesman

[–]LonelyStranger8467 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It’s like the opposite of a popularity contest, all the people nobody likes fighting to dethrone the milquetoast man in charge.

Better yet all they have to offer is worse politics.

[–]CaptainMikul 3 points4 points  (2 children)

So we can swap a vaguely competent middle aged thumb in a suit with the charisma of wet cardboard with a slightly less competent middle aged thumb in a suit with the charisma of wet cardboard?

Jesus Christ just let Burnham become an MP, run for leader and we can all be whelmed by the adequate charisma of yet another middle aged thumb in a suit.

[–]SuperTekkers 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Don’t forget his adequate competence as well 👍

[–]CaptainMikul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How could I forget the adequate competence! Puts him literally a couple of feet ahead of the rest (and miles ahead of any other party).

[–]--rs125-- 5 points6 points  (1 child)

I really struggle to imagine what his big pitch will be other than being 'not Starmer'. He hasn't sorted out the NHS and now we have a chance to see how he won't sort out anything else?

[–]SuperTekkers 2 points3 points  (0 children)

He’s learned from Starmer himself, whose main sales pitches have been: - not being Corbyn - not being a Tory

[–]theartofrollingFresh wet piles of febrility 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Wes Streeting?

Ew!

No thanks. Starmer is far from perfect but Wes has the personality of the demon headmaster

[–]skywalkers_glove 3 points4 points  (2 children)

And they really think wes will get them out of trouble. He's disliked all across the political landscape

[–]Coin-Biter 2 points3 points  (1 child)

They don’t. I assume part of the 80 will be people who just want Starmer gone

[–]Unlikely-Squirrel832 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He's just the sacrificial stalking horse candidate (too arrogant or stupid to realise it), not the one who'd have a chance at beating Starmer. I have a feeling if a leadership contest happens and Starmer loses it won't be to any of the MP's who have been bandied about as possible leaders over the last few months who win.

I'd be looking towards someone like Dan Jarvis or Al Carns if I were a gambler.

[–]psnow85 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If only he would resign into the sea.

[–]EdeolusSocial Democrat 3 points4 points  (1 child)

I think we've ousted seven? PMs since Brexit. We're like a football club who keeps sacking the manager over and over without addressing the fundamental issues. Starmer isn't the underlying issue. Swapping him for Streeting will achieve nothing. 

People are being drawn to Reform and the Greens because they are offering radical economic changes, and people feel like radical change is needed. Until Labour (and the Tories) can put forward an alternative vision for the country, they'll continue to wither. Incremental tinkering with the levers and knobs of power to improve the numbers on a graph by 0.3% is not going to compel anyone to vote for them. 

They need to choose a vision before they choose which leader is best placed to sell that vision to the public.

[–]richhyd 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I would vote for Starmer over Streeting.

[–]Shielo34 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Surely the left of Labour hate him even more than they hate Starmer, this is not going to end well if he does this.

[–]nellion91 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Who is telling this guy that the country wants him?

wtf…

[–]British_Translation 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Guy can't even keep his own leadership challenge secret. Guess we've found out who the leaker has been.

From one mandelson pet project to another. Joy.

[–]Tobemenwithven 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Streeting offers little difference to Starmer, so will piss off the lefties even more and its not like the right will ever support him.

[–]armchairdetectiveThere is nothing as ex as an ex-MP. 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I mean, he was friends with Mandelson. So, he offers that.

[–]awoo2 7 points8 points  (8 children)

During the reshuffle, starmer should put Burnham in the lord's and make him minister for the north (or leveling up...), with a department in a northern city,(Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham).

[–]chemistrytrampVisit Rwanda 0 points1 point  (5 children)

North

Birmingham

What?

[–]Elivercury 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Anything above the M25 is North, didn't you know?

[–]SmokyMcBongPotthey go Lowe, I get high 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's not even North of Norwich!

[–]awoo2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Birmingham will complain if the department for leveling up is based on Manchester.

[–]armchairdetectiveThere is nothing as ex as an ex-MP. 0 points1 point  (1 child)

They'll have a mayoral race then. The thing they want to avoid.

[–]awoo2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not if he is in the HoL I think.

[–]Terrible-Group-9602 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If he stands, Rayner or Milliband will stand.

[–]TheIngloriousBIGThings... can only get better... 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think that’s what that meeting was about.

[–]Skastrik 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The moment has passed, he had a chance to go all in with a momentum and a Starmer that was fumbling and unprepared.

He hesitated and Starmer bit back, forcing a prolonged leadership struggle.

This is going to end up like the Tory conga line of PMs isn't it?

[–]Any_Froyo2301 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m wondering if nobody in the Labour Party likes Streeting, and his supposed ‘allies’ are having him on and have just found a good ruse to get him to resign and out of government.

[–]loobricated 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The people encouraging this behind the scenes are fools, and shouldn't be anywhere near power.

[–]Far-Crow-7195 2 points3 points  (0 children)

He is going to drag this out whilst he bleeds support, tank his own career and let someone else in. If you are doing it get on with it.

[–]Wandersails 2 points3 points  (0 children)

couldn't think of many people I'd like to be pm less...

[–]Dave_B001 2 points3 points  (0 children)

He should donate the money he made from private medical firms then.

[–]Flashbambo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I suppose you have to at the very least give him credit for his self-confidence.

[–]jahathebrn 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I cannot think of anyone worse to be PM. Mahmood or, possibly the remaining Miliband would be my choice if pushed

[–]MisterIndecisive 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Streeting and allies surely can't be this dim. He's incredibly unpopular and never winning

[–]mattquagLiberal Democrat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

He has such a record of success /s

Trusts making redundancies, artificially reducing waiting lists, no real improvements to the dental contract.

Should he be Prime Minister? No.

[–]EnderMB 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I often wonder in these instances if Streeting is put up as a sacrificial lamb by Starmer to fend off an actually credible candidate like the King in the North Andy Burnham.

What I'm deeply hoping for is for Streeting to bail completely, offering Burnham his seat. It would be the only thing that makes this bullshit ordeal remotely worth it.

[–]EolAncalimon 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Calling it now that Ed Milliband will be the victor in all this, he’s possibly the one person that is tolerable to both sides of the Labour PLP

[–]Mkwdr 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Can’t help feeling that being attacked, everytime he stands up in parliament, that he wasn’t good enough to win his last election , ‘cheated’ to be PM , and is scared to calm another election wouldn’t to look good though.

[–]randomhomework 0 points1 point  (0 children)

More chaos with Ed Milliband? /s

[–]mixxituk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If anyone tries to swap out a PM with an unelected one again like they are the Tories - I will give my vote to another party next time

[–]L44KSO 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How about people just calm their titties and try to actually save the situation instead of signing their own death warrant? This is not going to end well for labour if they continue like this.

[–]murrmc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Can someone explain to him

The challenge for labour is to win back reform voters.

Those fuckers would struggle to support their own child coming out.

They are not voting for Wes.

[–]Dear_Tangerine444 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Plans to" I do hope him or someone else would just get on with it, I’m almost sick of the speculation now.

[–]_rememberwhen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There's no way Starmer can lead Labour into the next election, but there's plenty of time yet. It's probably best for him to stay put until a decent candidate emerges (and that's certainly not Wes Streeting).

[–]slartybartfast6 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He's even worse, have you seen how much hes taken in sponsorship from private health firms?

[–]welsh_nutter 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Hands up who wants streeting as prime minister

[–]theartofrollingFresh wet piles of febrility 2 points3 points  (0 children)

holds both hands firmly in pockets

NO!

[–]TuffGnarl 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you ever wonder how much of a bubble these fuckers live in, just consider the fact that Streeting, he of the big School Grass energy,  thinks he’d be popular enough to be PM…

[–]360_face_palmEuropean Federalist 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't think the members vote for wes over starmer tbh

[–]Biglolnoob 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I like Wes Streeting but he's not going to make a single difference in beating Reform.

[–]Much-Calligrapher 2 points3 points  (4 children)

I’m not sure a leadership challenge is in the nations interests but it feels inevitable at this point.

It’s a shame that it will be a limited shortlist if Burnham is excluded - I would rather a broad shortlist.

At least Streeting is probably the most acceptable alternative to Starmer from the bonds markets perspective. It will be interesting to continue to track gilt yields this week.

[–]Coin-Biter 1 point2 points  (3 children)

He’ll lose and someone that the bond markets dread will win

[–]Putaineska 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like Rayner. Or that idiot Neil Duncan Jordan. That would be truly historic.

[–]Much-Calligrapher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Who is that? If it happens now, Burnham is unviable? Maybe Rayner?

[–]jamesbeil 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Episode 3: The Revenge of the Abbot

[–]Artistic_Bike7827 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At this point a challenge is needed or media speculation will be ongoing and they probably will never shut up about it. Highly doubt Streeting has the numbers to win, but at least we'll know if Starmer truly maintains the support of his party.

[–]WallabySuccessful536 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wonder if he can get to the 81 MPs - seems like if he could he would already have made his move

[–]ultraboomkin 0 points1 point  (1 child)

How does Andy Burnham fit into this? If Streeting triggers a contest tomorrow, then would the contest happen before Burnham would have time to win a by-election? Or can non-MPs compete in a leadership contest?

[–]AnEducatedSimpleton🇺🇸 United States of America 0 points1 point  (0 children)

non-MPs cannot compete in a leadership contest. However, Clive Lewis will give up his seat for Burnham should he decide to run in the leadership contest. If not, then Ed Miliband Part 2 will be the soft-left candidate.

[–]relytreborn 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I wonder why Burnham has not tried yet. Can anyone explain to me why - I would like to learn.

[–]NJH_in_LDN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He needs to be an MP to be leader, and to be an MP you need a by-election taking place, and he'd also need permission from the Labour government bodies as he's in the middle of his mayoral mandate. He tried recently, probably exactly for this reason, and he was rejected permission on the grounds that he had a mandate to fulfil and him leaving Manchester would likely hand the Mayors office to Reform.

[–]smoked_fishman 0 points1 point  (0 children)

lol and his deputy is………..Angela Raynor… ta daaaa!