Wes Streeting, the UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, says he will not seek the next Labour Party leadership and instead endorses Andy Burnham. The announcement follows Keir Starmer’s resignation as Labour leader, after which Burnham declared he would put himself forward as part of the leadership succession process.
Streeting says he previously considered challenging Starmer’s leadership and had indicated he could trigger a leadership contest if he secured the backing of enough MPs. However, in a statement on X, he says he has decided to back Burnham and encourages others to do the same. He points to Burnham’s recent success at the Makerfield by-election and argues that Labour can succeed if it changes approach.
Burnham, who is set to enter parliament after winning the by-election, is described across reports as a leading contender to become Labour leader and, if selected, prime minister. Multiple outlets report Streeting’s decision reduces the likelihood of him entering a rival leadership contest and instead throws his support behind Burnham’s bid.
