It's official: Wes Streeting of the Labour Party wants to be Britain's next prime minister
Wes Streeting has officially announced his intention to challenge Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party and ultimately become Britain's next prime minister. His announcement follows poor electoral performance by the Labour Party and growing internal dissent over Starmer's leadership. Streeting, a former health secretary and skilled communicator, positions himself as a necessary change to prevent further political decline.
- ▪Wes Streeting announced his candidacy to replace Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour Party on May 16, 2026.
- ▪He is the first sitting MP to formally challenge Starmer, citing voter dissatisfaction and the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party.
- ▪Streeting served as health secretary and has personal and political ties to reforming the NHS, having battled kidney cancer himself.
- ▪He rose from working-class roots in East London to become a prominent Labour figure, detailed in his memoir "One Boy, Two Bills and a Fry Up."
- ▪Other potential challengers include Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, if he secures a parliamentary seat soon.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onIt's official: Wes Streeting of the Labour Party wants to be Britain's next prime ministerWes Streeting's ambition to head the British government was one of the worst-kept secrets in U.K. politicsByBRIAN MELLEY Associated Press and JILL LAWLESS Associated PressMay 17, 2026, 4:01 AM1:10Wes Streeting arrives at the Progress Conference at Convene in London, Saturday May 16, 2026. (Jeff Moore/PA via AP)The Associated PressLONDON -- LONDON (AP) — Wes Streeting's ambition to head the British government was one of the worst-kept secrets in U.K.
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