Wes Streeting Denies Coup Rumors as Labour Faces Leadership Turmoil
There’s a lot of political drama unfolding in Westminster right now, and at the center of it all is Health Secretary Wes Streeting , who’s found himself pulled into growing rumours of a possible leadership challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer . Reports from across major outlets — including the BBC, The Guardian , and Sky News — are painting a picture of a government that’s gone into what some insiders are calling “full bunker mode.”
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Here’s what’s happening. Allies of Sir Keir Starmer are reportedly making it clear that he has no intention of stepping aside , no matter what challenges come his way. There are mounting fears among Labour MPs that the prime minister could face an internal revolt, possibly right after the upcoming Budget later this month — or, if things get worse, after the May local elections next year. These elections, particularly in London, Wales, and Scotland, are expected to be difficult for Labour, and some within the party think a poor showing could spark serious calls for change at the top.
Now, amid all this speculation, attention has turned toward Wes Streeting. Several reports have suggested that Streeting — one of Starmer’s own senior cabinet allies — might be preparing for a leadership bid if Starmer’s popularity continues to decline. According to some in Westminster, there’s even talk that dozens of frontbenchers might be ready to resign if the Budget goes badly and the prime minister doesn’t step down. But Streeting’s camp has strongly denied all of this.
A spokesperson for the health secretary called these rumours “categorically untrue,” saying Wes Streeting’s focus is fully on his work — particularly on reducing NHS waiting lists, hiring more GPs, and rebuilding the healthcare system that once saved his own life. He’s also scheduled to deliver a major NHS speech this week, which had been planned long before the political storm erupted.
Despite those denials, the speculation isn’t dying down. Some in Starmer’s team reportedly view Streeting’s growing popularity — and his willingness to challenge party lines on issues like welfare and foreign policy — as potential signs of leadership ambition. Others, though, see the accusations as paranoia from No. 10, arguing that blaming loyal ministers won’t solve Labour’s deeper problems.
Inside Downing Street, there’s said to be a strong sense of siege. Starmer’s allies are warning MPs that a leadership battle now would be “reckless” and “dangerous,” potentially spooking financial markets, damaging international relations, and plunging the party into chaos reminiscent of the Conservative Party’s final, tumultuous years in power. They insist that the prime minister is determined to fight on — both against his critics within Labour and against Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, whom he sees as the real threat to his government.
Still, beneath the public displays of unity, it’s clear that unease is spreading through Labour ranks. Some MPs fear that Starmer’s leadership may already be faltering, while others believe that any attempt to remove him so early into government could shatter the party’s credibility for years.
For now, both Starmer and Streeting are trying to project stability. But behind closed doors, the whispers of discontent are growing louder — and Westminster is bracing itself for what could become one of the most intense political battles of the year.
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